Enniscorthy ladies first XI took on Botanic's second XI at a cold, frosty Astro Active Centre on Saturday morning, with the home side looking to consolidate their position in the higher reaches of Division 7. The task was made more difficult due to the absence of Laura O Leary and Jessie Flood, arguably two of their most effective attacking options over the last number of weeks. On the plus side, Sonja Rynhart was welcomed back from injury, with coach Donal Doyle opting to start her from the bench against the Dublin side.
Enniscorthy started positively with the midfield of Bailey, Smith and Lett putting the opposition under pressure from the off. Good link up play with the forward trio of Sweeney, Flood and Rudd lead to a number of promising chances in and around the opposition circle. Sonja Rynhart was sprung from the bench 20 minutes in and almost immediately had an impact as her first act was a fiercely struck shot which passed just inches wide of Botanic's goal.
With preasure mounting Enniscorthy won a penalty corner and a preworked routine resulted in captain Leah Chapman claiming her third goal of season. The cathedral town side went in one-nil up at the break, just desserts for a half which saw Enniscorthy dominate possession.
Following the restart Botanic started to come into the game more, finally putting the Enniscorthy defence of Watchorn, Chapman, Wickham and Owen under some pressure.
Hannah Graham was introduced into midfield as the second half progressed and made a number of eye-catching runs down the right wing. Midway through the second half, Enniscorthy doubled their lead, following a move started and finished by Laura Smith.
Botanic grabbed one back with 4 minutes left on the clock but it was too little too late and the home team ran out deserved winners, moving up to second in the league, four points behind leaders UCD 5th .
Squad: Leah Chapman, May Wickham, Julie Watchorn, Katie Owen, Laura Smith, Laura Bailey, Marti Rudd, Anna Flood, Laura O'Leary, Olive Lett, Sonja Rynhart, Hannah Graham, Hannah Sweeney, Norah McGinty.
Enniscorthy started positively with the midfield of Bailey, Smith and Lett putting the opposition under pressure from the off. Good link up play with the forward trio of Sweeney, Flood and Rudd lead to a number of promising chances in and around the opposition circle. Sonja Rynhart was sprung from the bench 20 minutes in and almost immediately had an impact as her first act was a fiercely struck shot which passed just inches wide of Botanic's goal.
With preasure mounting Enniscorthy won a penalty corner and a preworked routine resulted in captain Leah Chapman claiming her third goal of season. The cathedral town side went in one-nil up at the break, just desserts for a half which saw Enniscorthy dominate possession.
Following the restart Botanic started to come into the game more, finally putting the Enniscorthy defence of Watchorn, Chapman, Wickham and Owen under some pressure.
Hannah Graham was introduced into midfield as the second half progressed and made a number of eye-catching runs down the right wing. Midway through the second half, Enniscorthy doubled their lead, following a move started and finished by Laura Smith.
Botanic grabbed one back with 4 minutes left on the clock but it was too little too late and the home team ran out deserved winners, moving up to second in the league, four points behind leaders UCD 5th .
Squad: Leah Chapman, May Wickham, Julie Watchorn, Katie Owen, Laura Smith, Laura Bailey, Marti Rudd, Anna Flood, Laura O'Leary, Olive Lett, Sonja Rynhart, Hannah Graham, Hannah Sweeney, Norah McGinty.
