There were near perfect match conditions for Sunday's highly anticipated local hockey derby, which saw Enniscorthy Ladies 1st XI face Wexford Ladies 1st XL in their 3rd game of the season, the first round of the South East Cup. Both teams had one victory each in the league, leaving all to play for this time round.
The high tempo game started with a Wexford pushback, Enniscorthy playing right to left in front of a large crowd at the Astro Active centre. Wexford were quick out of the blocks and drove forward, with sharp accurate passing but the Enniscorthy defence held firm and cleared the attacks, which included a well taken short corner. Wexford had the majority of possession & managed to score 5 minutes in. Keeper Fiona Rothwell stopped what looked certain to be a goal by the dangerous Wexford centre forward, expertly meeting the onrushing player and blocking her flicked effort however the ball then fell to their right wing who made no mistake in slotting it home for the opening goal of the afternoon.
The Enniscorthy back line of Owen, Smith, Flood and Harrington worked tirelessly to deal with several 25-yard frees and were joined by Leah Chapman as first runner in defending the three short corners awarded in quick succession
Enniscorthy had some good attacking play, with the first half play predominantly focused up the left wing. Chapman, Rynhart and A. Flood linked up well but failed to penetrate the well-covered Wexford circle through a congested 25-yard zone.
After half time, the home side looked a more determined outfit with possession much more equal, the ball being worked the well around the back, through midfielders Rudd, Chapman and Lett resulting in some fast paced attacks up the left and right by Rynhart and O'Leary. Anna Flood, at centre forward, distributed some excellent balls to the wing the ensuing play resulting in two short corners, Enniscorthy eager to equalise but the visiting defenders made the task a difficult one.
After Wexford had a short corner goal disallowed, A well intercepted hit out provided their second goal, finished to the bottom right of the goal by their experienced attack. Enniscorthy battled hard, with a lot of possession in the final quarter but the full time whistle blew leaving Wexford with a 2-0 victory. Donal Doyle's side will be disappointed with the defeat but will be sure to take a lot from the game as they face into the LHA Trophy competition.
Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell, Katie Owen, Jessie Flood, Laura Smith, Ruth Harrington, Leah Chapman, Olive Lett, Marti Rudd, Sonja Rynhart, Anna Flood, Laura O’ Leary, Fiona Breen, Laura Bailey, May Wickham, Julie Watchorn, Aine O'Brien, Stephanie Kinsella. Coach: Donal Doyle Manager: Irene Doyle
The high tempo game started with a Wexford pushback, Enniscorthy playing right to left in front of a large crowd at the Astro Active centre. Wexford were quick out of the blocks and drove forward, with sharp accurate passing but the Enniscorthy defence held firm and cleared the attacks, which included a well taken short corner. Wexford had the majority of possession & managed to score 5 minutes in. Keeper Fiona Rothwell stopped what looked certain to be a goal by the dangerous Wexford centre forward, expertly meeting the onrushing player and blocking her flicked effort however the ball then fell to their right wing who made no mistake in slotting it home for the opening goal of the afternoon.
The Enniscorthy back line of Owen, Smith, Flood and Harrington worked tirelessly to deal with several 25-yard frees and were joined by Leah Chapman as first runner in defending the three short corners awarded in quick succession
Enniscorthy had some good attacking play, with the first half play predominantly focused up the left wing. Chapman, Rynhart and A. Flood linked up well but failed to penetrate the well-covered Wexford circle through a congested 25-yard zone.
After half time, the home side looked a more determined outfit with possession much more equal, the ball being worked the well around the back, through midfielders Rudd, Chapman and Lett resulting in some fast paced attacks up the left and right by Rynhart and O'Leary. Anna Flood, at centre forward, distributed some excellent balls to the wing the ensuing play resulting in two short corners, Enniscorthy eager to equalise but the visiting defenders made the task a difficult one.
After Wexford had a short corner goal disallowed, A well intercepted hit out provided their second goal, finished to the bottom right of the goal by their experienced attack. Enniscorthy battled hard, with a lot of possession in the final quarter but the full time whistle blew leaving Wexford with a 2-0 victory. Donal Doyle's side will be disappointed with the defeat but will be sure to take a lot from the game as they face into the LHA Trophy competition.
Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell, Katie Owen, Jessie Flood, Laura Smith, Ruth Harrington, Leah Chapman, Olive Lett, Marti Rudd, Sonja Rynhart, Anna Flood, Laura O’ Leary, Fiona Breen, Laura Bailey, May Wickham, Julie Watchorn, Aine O'Brien, Stephanie Kinsella. Coach: Donal Doyle Manager: Irene Doyle
