As expected, the first started the stronger and within the first five minutes they had put together several attacks on goal, Sonja Rynhart’s three attempts were saved by seconds goalie Aoife Foran. Karri Clifford’s attempt was well executed but again, Foran was proving very solid in the goal for the second XI. The first XI opened the scoring with 10 minutes on the clock, Karri Clifford’s lovely cross into the circle saw Sonja Rynhart converting from the penalty spot.
From Kim O’ Connor’s hit-out the second XI produced their best sequence of play since the start, with some great passages of play between Niamh Buttle and Laura Redmond up the right. The first XI’s defence proved resilient to the attack and from this there was a counter attack involving Lisa Frayne and Nancy Dunphy who’s pass linked in to the well positioned Sonja Rynhart. Her first attempt was saved by Foran in the goal, however, when given a second opportunity she converted making it 2-0 to the first XI.
The first short corner came on the 15 minute mark, it was followed in quick succession by a second. Anna Flood’s well taken goal was disallowed as the ball was deemed not to have been stopped outside the circle. Half time score 2-0 favouring the First XI.
The restart saw the first XI continuing as they had left off before the break, a skilful passage of play between Nancy Dunphy and Deirdre Kehoe saw them winning their first short corner of the half. The corner was well executed, Deirdre Kehoe injecting the ball to Anna Flood, who’s shot was on target, but she was denied a goal by the outreaching Foran in goal.
The first goal of the second half came after a strong break down the middle resulted in a short corner which was skilfully converted by Karri Clifford. Minutes later, the ball was intercepted by Olive Lett on the half way line, her pass finding the stick of Nancy Dunphy, who found the back of the net making it 4-0.
The first XI’s defence were called into action after the re-start to deal with an attack from Lillian Howlin and Fiona Breen, the ball being well cleared by Aine O’Brien, who’s clearance put the first XI back in a strong attacking position, this time the defence of Roisin O’Muiri stopping what looked like a certain goal. Sonja Rynhart converted on one more occasion to secure a hat trick and the final score stood at 5-0.
This game was in reality about the attacking strengths of the first XI and the defence of the second XI and while the experience and strength of the first XI was superior, the second XI showed skill and commitment and it was a performance for them to be proud of. The match proved to be a valuable run out for both sides ahead of next Sunday’s South East Cup fixtures. The fist XI drawn against local rivals Wexford and the second XI drawn against Kilkenny 2. Both matches are scheduled for the Astro Active Centre at 10am and 2pm respectively. Best of luck to both teams.
Enniscorthy Squad 1sts: Fiona Rothwell; Julie Watchorn; Serena Hatton; Katie Owen; Olive Lett; Leah Chapman; Nancy Dunphy; Lisa Frayne; Anna Flood; Deirdre Kehoe; Karri Clifford; Sonja Rynhart; Aine O'Brien; Bridget Gainford; Ruth Harrington; Caroline Doyle.
Enniscorthy Squad 2nds: Aoife Foran; Roisin O'Muiri; Kim O'Connor; Laura Redmond; Saoirse Power; Fiona Breen; Roisin Bridges; Aoileann Hourihane; Lillian Howlin; Georgina Izatd; Niamh Buttle; Roisin Nolan.