Purr-fect Cats tame South-East Lions

The Kilkenny women’s team made it six wins from six when they mauled the South-East Lions at Foulkstown on Sunday.

Coming into the game with five wins from five in the league the Cats were looking to extend their winning streak and remain at the top of the league table when they took on the visitors, a combined team formed by Wexford Wanderers and Enniscorthy.

After a wet and cold morning, the sun broke through just as the game got underway. Kilkenny were quick to gain the upper hand against the girls from the Model County.

Showing attacking intent, Thomastown woman Ciara Coone did excellently to sprint to the end line and place the ball under the posts.

This was the start of what proved to be a one-sided contest.

Sorcha Barcoe Keogh, picked up the pace that Coone had set soon after. Using her speed and side step she avoided the opposing players and ran in two tries within minutes of each other.

Johnswell native Alice Brennan was a constant nuisance at the break down, putting the South East Lions under continued pressure in rucks. Brennan, a no-nonsense player, showed her attacking ability and battled her way over the end line adding another try to the scoreboard.

Out-half Leah McCarthy used her speed to spot a gap on the left touch. With a South East Lions player hot on her heels, she did well to score.

Team captain Rosie Miller used her forward force to evade two defenders and dashed in under the posts.

Sorcha Barcoe Keogh added her third try of the first half to the scoreboard followed closely by Ciara Coone for the second time.

Played in difficult conditions, Kilkenny really put in a complete first half performance.

In truth the game was over as a contest at half time, with the hosts leading 52-0. After a short conversation the visitors conceded the match. However, in the spirit of the game, both sides agreed to continue the second half as a friendly.

Kilkenny coach, Paddy Mosse took the opportunity to make wholesale changes, introducing 10 replacements.

This gave the Bennettsbridge man the opportunity to see some players get game time.

Kilkenny now look forward to a well deserved break this coming week.

Positively, the side maintained their unbeaten record and comfortably sit at the top of the league table with six wins from six games.

Next up the side travel to take on Navan in an away game on December 4.