It took extra time and the drama of sudden death penalty flicks, but Enniscorthy eliminated title holders Kilkenny in the semi finals of the Leinster Hockey Association Trophy at the Astro Active Centre on Sunday.
A determined Enniscorthy side came out fighting under the watchful eye of coach Donal Doyle, winning a penalty corner in the opening 5 minutes. However, true to form Kilkenny's defence held strong. The Cats fought back, keeping the Enniscorthy back line of Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Katie Owen and Aine O'Brien on their toes. Kilkenny got the opening goal of the game from a penalty corner strike, and this was enough to secure a half time lead.
The second half saw Enniscorthy continue to show their determination with great play in midfield by Ruth Harrington, Jessie Flood, Olive Lett and Leah Chapman. Indeed it was the latter who was pivotal in creating the Slaneysiders equaliser, sending a quick sideline ball to Sonja Rynhart, who broke through Kilkenny's defence before connecting with Anna Flood who coolly slotted home.
Despite strong attacking play by both sides, it was the defences who came out on top over the remainder of the half. With the two sides deadlocked at one-all, extra time was required. Chances were at a premium for both teams, and it was time for the dreaded penalty flicks.
The drama continued when after 5 shots on goal for each side, the hosts and Kilkenny were tied at 3-3, with Enniscorthy's goals coming from Watchorn, Smith and O'Brien. Sudden death followed, with Enniscorthy's goalkeeper Fiona Rothwell clearing Kilkenny's shot over the goal and a remarkably calm Aine O'Brien proving the heroine, finishing the ball into the bottom right corner and sending Enniscorthy into the final.
Bray or Monkstown await the cathedral town women, with the final set to take place on Sunday 9th April in Three Rock Rovers, Rathfarnham.
Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell; Julie Watchorn; Aine O'Brien; Laura Smith; Katie Owen; Jessie Flood; Olive Lett; Leah Chapman; Marti Rudd; Sonja Rynhart; Anna Flood; Laura O' Leary; Ruth Harrington; Laura Bailey; May Wickham
Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Irene Doyle
A determined Enniscorthy side came out fighting under the watchful eye of coach Donal Doyle, winning a penalty corner in the opening 5 minutes. However, true to form Kilkenny's defence held strong. The Cats fought back, keeping the Enniscorthy back line of Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Katie Owen and Aine O'Brien on their toes. Kilkenny got the opening goal of the game from a penalty corner strike, and this was enough to secure a half time lead.
The second half saw Enniscorthy continue to show their determination with great play in midfield by Ruth Harrington, Jessie Flood, Olive Lett and Leah Chapman. Indeed it was the latter who was pivotal in creating the Slaneysiders equaliser, sending a quick sideline ball to Sonja Rynhart, who broke through Kilkenny's defence before connecting with Anna Flood who coolly slotted home.
Despite strong attacking play by both sides, it was the defences who came out on top over the remainder of the half. With the two sides deadlocked at one-all, extra time was required. Chances were at a premium for both teams, and it was time for the dreaded penalty flicks.
The drama continued when after 5 shots on goal for each side, the hosts and Kilkenny were tied at 3-3, with Enniscorthy's goals coming from Watchorn, Smith and O'Brien. Sudden death followed, with Enniscorthy's goalkeeper Fiona Rothwell clearing Kilkenny's shot over the goal and a remarkably calm Aine O'Brien proving the heroine, finishing the ball into the bottom right corner and sending Enniscorthy into the final.
Bray or Monkstown await the cathedral town women, with the final set to take place on Sunday 9th April in Three Rock Rovers, Rathfarnham.
Enniscorthy Squad: Fiona Rothwell; Julie Watchorn; Aine O'Brien; Laura Smith; Katie Owen; Jessie Flood; Olive Lett; Leah Chapman; Marti Rudd; Sonja Rynhart; Anna Flood; Laura O' Leary; Ruth Harrington; Laura Bailey; May Wickham
Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Irene Doyle
