Saturday saw Enniscorthy Ladies 1st XI travel to Alexandra College in Dublin to play Old Alexandra 4th XI in Division 7 of the Leinster League. In the first meeting between the two sides, neither knew what to expect but on paper the Slaneysiders had the better form sitting fourth in the league with 6 points, while the hosts were eighth with 2 points.
The first half started with quick pace and sharp passing from the ‘Scorthy ladies. It wasn’t long before the ball was crossed into the circle forcing Old Alex’s goalie to make her first save. From there the Slaneysiders dominated possession with accurate passing from the back line of Julie Watchorn, May Wickham, Katie Owen and Leah Chapman up to the midfield trio of Laura Bailey, Laura Smith and Marti Rudd. Some quick 2 v 1s between Bailey and Smith saw the ball relentlessly passed up to Sonja Rynhart in the centre forward role who repeatedly found her wingers - Laura O’Leary on the right and Hannah Sweeney on the left. Eventually Enniscorthy’s persistence paid off and a penalty corner was awarded to them half way through the first half. Pushed out by Captain Leah Chapman to Rynhart on the top of the circle the ball was switched to Laura Smith on the right for a powerful strike which hit the back board and put the ‘Scorthy ladies in front.
The second half started with renewed determination from the home side and Enniscorthy were forced to defend in numbers. May Wickham, having her first start in centre back, cleared the ball to safety out wide and Katie Owen prevented their strong right sided attack from entering the circle. Crash ball tactics by Old Alex’s hit outs were repeatedly intercepted by a strong ‘Scorthy press and the Slaneysiders were able to counter attack. There were fast runs by Ciara Murphy on the right, multiple crosses into the circle, and drama as penalty corners were awarded after brilliant play by Hannah Sweeney and Laura O’Leary, but Enniscorthy couldn’t quite capitalize.
In a tense final ten minutes Old Alex upped a gear and ‘Scorthy goalie Alice Medcalf was forced to make her first and only save of the match which was quickly cleared away by Julie Watchorn. Further drama ensured on the final whistle as a penalty corner was awarded to the home side for a foot inside the circle. Leah Chapman was able to clear the visitor's lines to leave the final score at 1-0 to Enniscorthy.
Next match for Enniscorthy Ladies 1sts is next Saturday, October 21st at home in the Astro Active Centre with a 12.00 noon tip off against Corinthians 3rd XI.
Squad: Alice Medcalf, Leah Chapman, Julie Watchorn, Ciara Murphy, Hannah Sweeney, Laura O'Leary,May Wickham, Katie Owen, Sonja Rynhart, Marti Rudd, Laura Bailey, Laura Smith
The first half started with quick pace and sharp passing from the ‘Scorthy ladies. It wasn’t long before the ball was crossed into the circle forcing Old Alex’s goalie to make her first save. From there the Slaneysiders dominated possession with accurate passing from the back line of Julie Watchorn, May Wickham, Katie Owen and Leah Chapman up to the midfield trio of Laura Bailey, Laura Smith and Marti Rudd. Some quick 2 v 1s between Bailey and Smith saw the ball relentlessly passed up to Sonja Rynhart in the centre forward role who repeatedly found her wingers - Laura O’Leary on the right and Hannah Sweeney on the left. Eventually Enniscorthy’s persistence paid off and a penalty corner was awarded to them half way through the first half. Pushed out by Captain Leah Chapman to Rynhart on the top of the circle the ball was switched to Laura Smith on the right for a powerful strike which hit the back board and put the ‘Scorthy ladies in front.
The second half started with renewed determination from the home side and Enniscorthy were forced to defend in numbers. May Wickham, having her first start in centre back, cleared the ball to safety out wide and Katie Owen prevented their strong right sided attack from entering the circle. Crash ball tactics by Old Alex’s hit outs were repeatedly intercepted by a strong ‘Scorthy press and the Slaneysiders were able to counter attack. There were fast runs by Ciara Murphy on the right, multiple crosses into the circle, and drama as penalty corners were awarded after brilliant play by Hannah Sweeney and Laura O’Leary, but Enniscorthy couldn’t quite capitalize.
In a tense final ten minutes Old Alex upped a gear and ‘Scorthy goalie Alice Medcalf was forced to make her first and only save of the match which was quickly cleared away by Julie Watchorn. Further drama ensured on the final whistle as a penalty corner was awarded to the home side for a foot inside the circle. Leah Chapman was able to clear the visitor's lines to leave the final score at 1-0 to Enniscorthy.
Next match for Enniscorthy Ladies 1sts is next Saturday, October 21st at home in the Astro Active Centre with a 12.00 noon tip off against Corinthians 3rd XI.
Squad: Alice Medcalf, Leah Chapman, Julie Watchorn, Ciara Murphy, Hannah Sweeney, Laura O'Leary,May Wickham, Katie Owen, Sonja Rynhart, Marti Rudd, Laura Bailey, Laura Smith
