Kilkenny Firsts draw comfort from Glenanne rematch

The Kilkenny Ladies first team were back in action on Saturday as they played host to Dublin side Glenanne in Kilkenny College.

Having previously suffered a loss to Glenanne earlier in the season, the Cats were eager to come out on top the second time around.

With the teams evenly matched, the first half of the game saw many chances created by both sides. Both goalkeepers were called into action throughout the opening half, but there was nothing to separate the teams in the first 35 minutes.

The game opened up in the second half and Kilkenny began to dictate the pace as they looked to take the lead. Midfield partners Linda Caulfield, Sinead Connery and Anna May Whelan urged their team forward and the Cats threatened the Glenanne goalmouth on several occasions.

Despite Kilkenny enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was the visitors who drew first blood. A counterattacking move from Glenanne left Kilkenny with little cover in defence. Kilkenny goalkeeper Kate Freeman was on hand to make a fine save, but couldn’t prevent the rebounding strike from hitting the back of the net.

Determined not to settle for defeat, Kilkenny went in search of an equalising goal in the last quarter.

Niamh Spratt O’Shea got the ball rolling,, feeding a clever ball up the field towards speedy forward Lily Grace, who weaved her way into the opposition circle. Grace’s powerful strike into the bottom corner of the goal was no match for the Glenanne ’keeper - Kilkenny supporters could breathe a sigh of relief.

After a tight battle, the teams had to settle for an even share of the spoils. Kilkenny’s next game sees them travel to Dublin next Saturday to take on league leaders Corinthians.

Kilkenny Firsts: Clair Phelan (C), Kate Freeman, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Emma Simmons, Lynn Darling, Sinead Connery, Linda Caulfield, Anna May Whelan, Gemma O’Dwyer, Paula Farrell, Laura Walshe, Megan Sherwood, Lily Grace, Sara Browne, Aisling Morrissey, Sass Thompson.  Coach: Gavin Bourke.