Five-star Kilkenny Firsts score good win over hockey rivals Naas

The Kilkenny Ladies First squad faced off against near rivals Naas on Saturday in a much anticipated clash in Division One of the Leinster League. With the teams sitting side by side on the league table, both sides were eager to take home all three points from the clash.

Naas, the home side, drew first blood by breaking quickly down the right wing and clinching an early goal. With the Kilkenny defence at sixes and sevens, Naas took full advantage and piled on the pressure, resulting in a second goal hitting the backboard at the end of the first quarter.

The Cats looked shell-shocked as they took to the pitch for the second quarter but, as the game progressed, the travelling team began to find their feet. Sinead Connery, Lucy Simms and Clair Phelan started to set up numerous attacks for their side and the Cats looked dangerous for the first time in the game. On the stroke of half-time, Sophia O’Shea gave Kilkenny a lifeline when she tapped the ball into the back of the net, after a killer pass from winger Ally Carter.

Still trailing by a goal at the start of the second half, Danny Mulligan’s team were unrecognisable from the first half as they went in search of an equalising goal. Within a matter of minutes, the Cats earned themselves a penalty corner. A well rehearsed routine saw Sue Shirley pick out Paula Farrell at the back post, and Farrell slotted the ball home to make it a draw game.

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Farrell’s goal was quickly followed up by another from forward Aisling McGrath, who got on the end of a lovely pass from Poppy Williams. Having trailed by two goals, Kilkenny looked full value for their win as they cruised into the final quarter of the game.

The fourth quarter saw the travelling team finish on a high as they bagged themselves two more goals, bringing their total tally to five. A skilful reverse strike from Sara Browne and a final goal from team captain Clair Phelan rounded off a comprehensive win and vital three league points for the Cats.

Kilkenny Firsts: Clair Phelan (C), Jess Cary, Lucy Simms, Poppy Williams, Sue Shirley, Laura O’Neill, Ciara Mahon, Paula Farrell, Sara Browne, Lara Gray, Isabel Walsh, Sinead Connery, Ally Williams, Aisling McGrath, Sophia O’Shea, Kate Crotty.

Coach/Manager: Danny Mulligan and Sam Willis.