Kilkenny Firsts make it four league wins in a row in Clontarf

The Kilkenny Ladies First team continued their good run of form with an impressive midweek win against Clontarf.

Keen to make it four wins on the trot in the Leinster League the Cats made light of the 8.30pm tip-off time at the Dublin venue and roared out of the blocks.

Opening the game with great confidence, a lightning quick run from Anna May Whelan in the opening minute saw her feed to the ball to oncoming forward Sass Thompson high up the field.

Thompson cleverly picked out Laura Walshe in the opposition circle and Walshe made no mistake, tucking the ball into the Clontarf net to give Kilkenny an early lead.

The pressure continued from Kilkenny as they ruthlessly went in search of a second goal. Their efforts were duly rewarded after a matter of minutes, thanks to Sara Browne winning her team a vital penalty corner. Kilkenny stalwart Sinead Connery bagged her side their second goal of the game after a well-rehearsed corner routine.

It was much the same from the Cats in the second quarter as they enjoyed large spells of possession with the ball. A quickly taken free by Paula Farrell saw her carry the ball into the circle and win her team another penalty corner.

Anna May Whelan was on target for her third game in a row and smashed the ball home to give Kilkenny a three-goal cushion at the half-time break.

Kilkenny goalkeeper Kate Freeman was called into action early in the second half as Clontarf looked to claw back a goal of their own. Freemen was on hand to make two fine saves in quick succession as she remained determined to keep a clean sheet.

Urged on by team coach Gavin Bourke, Kilkenny defenders Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Lynn Darling, Ciara Clarke and Emma Simmons looked calm and composed on the ball as they looked to pick out fellow teammates high up the field.

Sue Shirley, Gemma O’Dwyer and Megan Sherwood continued to test the goalkeeper in the second half, but the home side had tightened their defence and quickly shut down any clear cut opportunities on goal. Team captain Clair Phelan fed a clever ball to speedy winger Lily Grace in the dying minutes of the game, but Grace’s shot flashed narrowly wide of the post.

It was a wonderful team performance from Kilkenny, with the result sending the team soaring to third place in the Division One league table.

Kilkenny welcome near rivals Naas to Kilkenny College on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Thanks went to sponsors Taxback, Pat Carroll's Bar, MGM Construction, Happy Times and CrossfFit Kilkenny for their continued support of the club.

Kilkenny Firsts - Clair Phelan (C), Kate Freeman, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke, Lynn Darling, Emma Simmons, Sinead Connery, Paula Farrell, Gemma O’Dwyer, Anna May Whelan, Laura Walshe, Lily Grace, Megan Sherwood, Sue Shirley, Sara Browne, Sass Thompson.

Coach - Gavin Bourke.