A cold, wet morning of great hockey was displayed in Enniscorthy Astro Centre as Enniscorthy 1st took on Carlow. After the ladies last triumphant win over Wexford 1st, their aim going into this match was to keep the same momentum, accuracy and determination they produced against Wexford.  The ladies played a great, tough game yet again to earn three more points for the league table. The final result being 3-0 to the homeside.

From the moment the whistle blew, Enniscorthy dominated the field where they held strong possession from their half way line and up. The starting eleven was missing two usual starter backs, Laura Smith and Aine O’ Brien. Despite their absence, defenders  Serena Hatton and Roisin O’ Muiri stepped up and both had an excellent game, creating a strong wall of defence.  Jessie Flood, Leah Chapman and Marti Rudd put in a great effort in the middle of the field, working together to work the ball up to the forwards, making strong tackles and accurate passes and providing the crucial link between mid fields and forwards. Floods vision in midfield allowed her to provide her sister Anna with superb balls. Anna narrowly missing out on a goal, that just narrowly skimmed the corner of Carlow goal.  The lengths  that Enniscorthy have developed were further demonstrated through further goal opportunities, but that first goal was yet to be scored. 

Sonja Rynhart made sure that Enniscorthy would exit the first half with the upper hand, scoring a fast paced goal from a short corner into the bottom left hand corner after 25 minutes. Enniscorthy had numerous attempts on goal from Chapman and Anna Flood, narrowly missing the target. The ladies star defender, Julie Watchorn went off injured in the first half, having gotten a nasty, fast paced ball to the face. The half time whistle sounded leaving the sore 1-0 to Enniscorthy.

Again in the second half, Enniscorthy were the side who had most possession. Both sides had good passages of play in the second half, Enniscorthy were however the more clinical side. Both Rynhart and Stephanie Kinsella made good attacks down the left and right wing, unlucky to have not secured a few more for the homeside. Enniscorthy were soon to rattle the net again as a beautiful ball across the circle from Olive Lett found Leah, who’s pace and alertness  allowed her to lift the ball high into the net from a first touch sweep. The ladies were now determined to gain other goals which led them to soon obtain a third goal. A long ball down the line caught by Kinsella who sent the ball to the top of the circle where it was met by Olive Lett allowed her to strike on goal where winger Sonja got a touch to the ball to put it past the Carlow keeper. There were numerous shots on target from Leah and Anna throughout the game.

The match resulted in a victory for Enniscorthy 1st, the final score 3-0. The ladies will now turn their focus to their next match which will be held on the 12th February against Kilkenny.

Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell, Julie Watchorn, Roisin O Muiri, Ruth Harrington, Katie Owen, Serena Hatton, Jessie Flood, Marti Rudd, Leah Chapman, Anna Flood, Olive Lett, Sonja Rynhart, Stephanie Kinsella, Laura O’Leary.  Coach: Donal Doyle

​The 1st hockey men of Enniscorthy welcomed Glenanne to the Astro Active Centre last Saturday. Glenanne are one of the only sides to have beaten the Wexford men in the league this season, but Enniscorthy got revenge on this outing.
 
The Slaneysiders had an advantage when the game begun as Glenanne were unable to field a full team of eleven players. Enniscorthy were quick to use their advantage and pressed high and put the Dubliners under pressure. The deadlock was broken when right back Andrew Rothwell gathered the ball from a Glenanne clearance, he worked his way into the circle, beating two defenders and from a tight angle slotted the ball between the keepers legs. Enniscorthy gained a number of short corners during the game and took their chances. Roy Chapman scored from one with a reverse shot when he pulled it to his left and fired it into the back of the net. Shortly after this sweeper Simmons gained space inside the Glenanne circle and superbly scored Enniscorthy’s third of the game, again this goal was from a short corner. The Slaneysiders weren’t finished scoring from short corners though, Medcalf, the teenaged midfielder got a touch to redirect Roy Chapman’s wide bound rocket on to the target with a reflex deflection. Glenanne themselves gained a short corner and took their chance. With a straight shot from the top of the circle, keeper Hill was blind sighted and was unable to stop the thundering shot. The half time whistle blew with the score at 4-1.
 
In the second half, Glenanne, who were having trouble getting passed the midfield of Roy Chapman, Medcalf and Glenn Chapman tried a new tactic of bypassing the solid players with aerials. Although on most occasions Enniscorthy’s defence of Ivan Rothwell, Vietch, Simmons and Andrew Rothwell dealt with the threat, Glenanne were causing trouble for Enniscorthy. An aerial assisted the Dubliners in scoring their second of the game. This early goal in the second half refocused Donal Doyle’ men’s and they went on to score two more goals. Roy Chapman doubled his tally with another reverse shot and Liukimas got on the scoreboard with a beautiful flick over the charging Glenanne keeper. The game finished 6-2 to Enniscorthy and three more points for the table toppers.
 
With the top of the league tight, every result counts, shortly after the game word come through that both Wicklow and Monkstown had drawn their games giving Enniscorthy a little more breathing space at the top of the league. This coming Saturday the Wexford men will travel to Rathdown School to take on Monkstown.
 
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Daithi Medcalf; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Jason Rothwell; Edmundas Liukimas; William Durnan; Cory Cooke; Cian Hogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.

​After last week's facile win over Pembroke wanderers, Enniscorthy men's first choice eleven took to the road on Saturday and came away with all 3 points after a 2-1 win over Dublin side YMCA.
 
The Wexford men resumed where they had left off last week and opened strongly. Medcalf and Jowett busied themselves on the left, causing havoc in the YM defence, forcing the 'keeper into a flurry of saves. The pressure finally told on 20 minutes when Roy Chapman sent one of his trademark drives into the back of the net and Enniscorthy went in search of another.
 
It wasn't until five minutes before the break, though, that Enniscorthy's lead was doubled, following a great solo effort from Liukimas. Finding himself in possession inside the 23, the big Lithuanian dribbled inside the semi circle- beating a cluster of defenders in the process- then drag flicking the ball into the net.
 
It wasn't all plain sailing for the Pure Oil- sponsored side. YMCA emerged from the half time break with a markedly improved performance, and pulled a goal back after 38 minutes. YM attacked down the right wing; an initial effort was saved by Hill in the Enniscorthy goal but the rebound only went as far as Wall for the hosts, who scored despite the best efforts of Andrew Rothwell who was covering the line.
 
The remainder of the half saw increasingly desperate efforts from the home side to secure an equaliser but the Enniscorthy defence of Ivan Rothwell, Simmons, Vietch and Andrew Rothwell, along with centre midfielder Glenn Chapman was able to hold firm. Relieving breaks from Roy Chapman and Jason Rothwell on the right and Medcalf and Jowett on the opposite wing, along with forward substitutes Cooke and Durnan - allowed breathing space for a beleaguered back line.
 
Following the result at Wesley College, word filtered through that Avoca had drawn with Enniscorthy's rivals Monkstown, a result that leaves the cathedral town side four points clear of the  Dubliners, who have a game in hand. Donal Doyle’s men will be trying to improve the situation when they host basement side Glenanne at the Astro Active Centre next Saturday, but will be well aware of the threat they posses as they are one of the only sides to have beaten the Wexford men in the league this season.
 
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Daithi Medcalf; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Liam Jowett; Jason Rothwell; Edmundas Liukimas; William Durnan; Cory Cooke. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.

​A crisp January morning saw Enniscorthy Ladies 1st XI take on long-term rivals Wexford in their second league encounter of the season. Donal Doyle’s women were ready for action and looking to secure some points on the table after the previous week’s defeat.
 
The game started with the home side’s push back. Enniscorthy appeared calm under the pressure of the visitors and held possession as they passed the ball around the defenders and midfielders in search of a break.  Wexford managed to win possession and within 10 minutes of the start the visitors struck the ball past the Enniscorthy keeper to equalise. Enniscorthy did not give up and held their heads high, always searching for a break up the pitch and an equaliser.
 
A short time later, captain Olive Lett secured the ball and headed for the top left corner of the pitch. Support came from vice captain Leah Chapman and sisters Jessie and Anna Flood who worked the ball to the top of the circle.  Forward Sonja Rynhart found Marti Rudd in open space who took a shot, which rose high and was deflected perfectly into the goal by Rynhart. Shortly before the half-time whistle blew, Enniscorthy won a short corner from a Wexford foul in the circle. The ball was excellently injected from forward Anna Flood to Sonja Rynhart who took a straight shot at goal and sailed past the Wexford defence. The half-time whistle blew and the home side were satisfied with their performance but knew they could not take their foot off the pedal now.
 
In the second half Enniscorthy were determined not to let Wexford take the points away from the game after their tremendous first half work. Despite multiple short corners won by the visitors the defence of Katie Owen, Ruth Harrington, Laura Smith and Julie Watchorn and goalie Fiona Rothwell didn’t concede any goals from corners. Halfway through the second half however Wexford’s eager attack and fast pace led them to securing an equaliser.
 
Enniscorthy were tireless in their search for the winning goal, and continued to have some excellent plays up the pitch.  With some excellent linking plays up the right hand side of the pitch, Anna Flood found herself free at the top of the circle, and upon receiving the ball pushed the ball slightly off the ground sailing past the Wexford defender and goalie into the bottom right corner the goal. The final whistle blew seconds later much to the delight of Enniscorthy Ladies and their supporters. The Ladies now look forward to their next league encounter against Carlow.
 
Squad: Fiona Rothwell, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Ruth Harrington, Katie Owen, Jessie Flood, Leah Chapman, Marti Rudd, Olive Lett, Sonja Rynhart, Anna Flood, Stephanie Kinsella, Laura O’Leary.
Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Irene Doyle.

​Enniscorthy 1st hockey men produced a ruthless display on Saturday last at the Astro Active Centre in a 10-0 hammering of a visiting Pembroke Wanderers team. Donal Doyle's first-choice eleven simply swatted the Dublin 4 outfit aside as they tightened their grip at the top of Leinster division 5.

With less than 15 minutes on the clock the result was a foregone conclusion. Jowett grabbed his first of the afternoon after just 3 minutes, before doubling his tally eight minutes later. The first of Jowett’s goals came from a break up the left through left midfield player Medcalf who lay the ball of to Jowett for the cleanest of finishes. Medcalf himself then struck for his first of the afternoon on 14 minutes. Two quick-fire goals on the 25-minute mark saw the Slaneysiders stretch their lead further. Medcalf again, when he combined with right back Andrew Rothwell, followed by a ferocious strike by midfielder Glenn Chapman from the top of the semi circle, ensured the result would not be in doubt. Former Newtown School student Cooke then fired in his side's sixth just before the break as he came in off the right wing. Key players such as Durnan and Liukimas were integral to the home side scoring a number of their sides goals as they linked up with some great passages of play coming up both wings from Roy Chapman and Medcalf.

After the restart the Wexford side continued to pile on the pressure. Defender Ivan Rothwell made it 7-0 after his short corner drag flick found its way into the Pembroke net following a short corner on 39 minutes. The Dubliner’s task became even harder when they were temporarily reduced to 10 men when a yellow card was produced by umpire Robbie Walshe for dissent. Despite this the defence of Simmons, Vietch, Ivan Rothwell and Andrew Rothwell along with keeper Hill were called upon on a number of occasions as the visitors were well capable of a quick break up the pitch but Enniscorthy stayed strong and kept their clean sheet. The experienced wing forward Jason Rothwell grabbed a goal of his own following a Enniscorthy short corner on 48 minutes. The tally didn't finish there though, Jowett and Medcalf both completed their hat-trick in the dying minutes of the game. A great team performance by Donal Doyle’s.
 
With the joys of this result now behind them, they will turn their focus to this coming weekend and YMCA, the next challenge in front of the hockey men of Enniscorthy.
 
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Daithi Medcalf; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Liam Jowett; Jason Rothwell; Edmundas Liukimas; William Durnan; Cory Cooke. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.

​The introduction of a new league format for the South East Ladies League saw the league dividing into two after Christmas with the top four teams from the pre Christmas matches playing each other home and away and the bottom four teams likewise. 

Enniscorthy first XI hockey ladies were met with tough opposition for their first match of the new year, having to travel to meet pre Christmas league toppers Kilkenny. A strong squad travelled only missing Stephanie Kinsella and Nancy Dunphy. Kilkenny started the better, forcing goalie Fiona Rothwell to make a save in the first few minutes. Enniscorthy’s defence of Fiona Rothwell, Aine O' Brien, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith and Katie Owen worked very well together and they dealt with a number of strong attacks and short corners in the first half. A special mention must go to 15 year old Laura Smith who has recently joined the ladies squad, she had a superb game at centre back and showed a level of skill and nerve beyond her years.

The even scoreline was changed early on as the forward pairing of Anna Flood and Sonja Rynhart showed great skill to take the ball out of defence, work it around several defenders with Flood beating the goalie on a one on one. The Kilkenny ladies fought back hard and did eventually penetrate Enniscorthy's defence with a well worked goal from play 20 mintues into the half to level the scoreboard again.

Both teams had good passages of play in the second half, Kilkenny were however the more clinical, their second goal coming 15 minutes into the half. Both Sonja Rynhart and Laura O' Leary made great attacks down the left and right wing respectively, however, their attempts were dealt with by a strong Kilkenny defence. Jessie Flood, Olive Lett, Leah Chapman, Ruth Harrington and Marti Rudd put in a great effort in the middle of the field, making several tackles and passes and providing the crucial link between defence and attack. Kilkenny scored one more time before the final whistle to leave the scoreline at 3-1, a score which doesn't reflect the closeness of the game.
 
Enniscorthy Ladies put in a superb team effort and are now looking forward to next Sunday’s league fixture against local rivals Wexford which is scheduled for 10am at the Astro Active Centre.
 
Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell; Julie Watchorn; Aine O' Brien; Laura Smith; Katie Owen; Jessie Flood; Olive Lett; Leah Chapman; Ruth Harrington; Sonja Rynhart; Anna Flood; Laura O' Leary; Marti Rudd
Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Irene Doyle.