Kilkenny Ladies Hockey side continue promotion party

With only two league games left to play and promotion to Division One of the Leinster league already secured for next season, the pressure was off for the Kilkenny ladies first team when they hosted Dublin side YMCA on Saturday.

Sitting just below Kilkenny on the league table, YM brought a strong attacking energy from the get-go. The travelling team created several chances in the opening quarter of the game, but Kilkenny ’keeper Doireann McCurdy was determined to keep her fourth successive clean sheet for her side.

Both sides enjoyed their fair share of chances as the game ebbed and flowed in the second quarter. Speedy winger Ally Carter was unlucky not to break the deadlock just before half time, after a darting run down the right side of the pitch led to a threatening attack on the YM goal.

Re-energised after the half-time break, the Cats looked like a different side as they took to the field of play.

Urged on by the home crowd, Kilkenny battled ferociously for every ball and their hardworking efforts were duly rewarded. A high press from Ava Murphy saw Kilkenny turn over the ball deep in the YM defence. Murphy fed the ball through to oncoming midfielder Sinead Connery, who set up Lily Grace for a tap-in goal.

Midfield partners Gemma O’Dwyer, Paula Farrell and Linda Caulfield continued to pile the pressure on the travelling side as they looked to build on their one goal lead. Quick passing from the Cats saw Sara Browne and Sue Shirley link up well in the opposition circle, but a fine save from the YM goalkeeper denied Kilkenny of a second goal.

Determined to get something from the game, YM poured forward in the final quarter in the hope of clinching an equalising goal. Kilkenny defenders Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke, Clair Phelan and Sarah Wilson came under severe pressure as attack after attack flooded into their defending circle.

The Cats showed their class and defended like champions, earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Kilkenny Firsts: Doireann McCurdy, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke, Clair Phelan (C), Sarah Wilson, Sinead Connery, Linda Caulfield, Paula Farrell, Gemma O’Dwyer, Laura Walshe, Ally Carter, Megan Sherwood, Sara Browne, Ava Murphy, Lily Grace, Sue Shirley.

Coach: Gavin Bourke.