Saturday saw Enniscorthy ladies’ seconds – who entered the match in lowly 11th place against a Portrane side sitting comfortably in fifth – draw a thrilling encounter 2-2 thanks to a superb brace from Elaine Hickey.
Enniscorthy started off the first half of what proved to be a ding-dong battle confidently, with great pressure from the midfield and forward lines on Portrane's defence. The visitors fought back, but their efforts were swiftly put to rest by a determined duo of Nic Corcráin and Hatton in the back line.
Some skilful play by Enniscorthy resulted in a penalty corner, which was narrowly missed. Portrane took no delay in fighting back, putting immense pressure on the Enniscorthy back line.
Enniscorthy’s efforts were rewarded just five minutes before half time, with fantastic work from a combination of Murphy and Buttle, resulting in an outstanding goal by Hickey. Portrane fought back with an attacking penalty corner, resulting in a goal of their own.
The second half saw a slower start for the home team, with a series of long and penelty corners being awarded to the away team. D’Alton and O’Muirí were alert to the dangers, along with the powerful Neville in goal. Portrane maintained possession, but an impressive interception by the skilful Redmond began a series of passes by Enniscorthy, concluding in a second goal from Hickey .
Enniscorthy fought hard to maintain their lead, with incredible collaboration between Rochford, Murphy and Buttle. Portrane, though, had other ideas, scoring direct from a penalty corner to equalise for the second time.
As the final ten minutes approached, Rochford could well have won it for the hosts, only for her shot on goal to ricochet off the post.
Enniscorthy have a tough weekend ahead, hosting table-toppers Genesis 7th on Saturday, and Naas 3rd on Sunday, to close out their first season in Leinster.
Squad: Mairéad Neville, Eleanor Bolger, Muireann Nic Corcráin, Elaine Hickey, Bridget Gainford, Avril Buttle, Niamh Rochford, Róisín O Muirí, Ciara Murphy, Amy D’Alton, Laura Redmond, Serena Hatton.
Enniscorthy started off the first half of what proved to be a ding-dong battle confidently, with great pressure from the midfield and forward lines on Portrane's defence. The visitors fought back, but their efforts were swiftly put to rest by a determined duo of Nic Corcráin and Hatton in the back line.
Some skilful play by Enniscorthy resulted in a penalty corner, which was narrowly missed. Portrane took no delay in fighting back, putting immense pressure on the Enniscorthy back line.
Enniscorthy’s efforts were rewarded just five minutes before half time, with fantastic work from a combination of Murphy and Buttle, resulting in an outstanding goal by Hickey. Portrane fought back with an attacking penalty corner, resulting in a goal of their own.
The second half saw a slower start for the home team, with a series of long and penelty corners being awarded to the away team. D’Alton and O’Muirí were alert to the dangers, along with the powerful Neville in goal. Portrane maintained possession, but an impressive interception by the skilful Redmond began a series of passes by Enniscorthy, concluding in a second goal from Hickey .
Enniscorthy fought hard to maintain their lead, with incredible collaboration between Rochford, Murphy and Buttle. Portrane, though, had other ideas, scoring direct from a penalty corner to equalise for the second time.
As the final ten minutes approached, Rochford could well have won it for the hosts, only for her shot on goal to ricochet off the post.
Enniscorthy have a tough weekend ahead, hosting table-toppers Genesis 7th on Saturday, and Naas 3rd on Sunday, to close out their first season in Leinster.
Squad: Mairéad Neville, Eleanor Bolger, Muireann Nic Corcráin, Elaine Hickey, Bridget Gainford, Avril Buttle, Niamh Rochford, Róisín O Muirí, Ciara Murphy, Amy D’Alton, Laura Redmond, Serena Hatton.
