Enniscorthy 9

Monkstown 0

After the mid week loss away to Clontarf, the ladies 1st XI were eager to get back to their winning ways when hosting Monkstown on Saturday. The home side started strong with an attack from tip off which put pressure in the visiting circle within the first minute. Right midfielder Ciara Kelly was on form securing two goals in quick succession, the first from a penalty corner won by Enniscorthy.

Player of the match Dunphy also showed excellent skill putting Monkstown under pressure when under attack, as well as blocking a number of hit outs taken by the Dublin side. Her hard work paid off in the form of the Slaneysider’s third goal within 20 minutes of play. Left winger Isabelle Walsh displayed her superb stickwork and 3D skills while attacking down the left side of the pitch, along the baseline and into the Monkstown circle. Forward Caoimhe Larkin was unfortunate that her shot on goal in the first half hit the cross bar. The host’s relentless pressure won another penalty corner shortly before the interval, this time converted by vice captain Laura Smith.

The defence of Jessie Flood, Laura Smith, Julie Watchorn and Hannah Graham were not hugely tested, but recycled the ball around switching the direction of play and identifying gaps to overwhelm the Monkstown midfielders. Niamh Ogilvie in the centre distributed the ball excellently both forwards and backwards, and was unlucky herself that her shot on goal in the second half was saved by the visiting ‘keeper. Ogilvie and fellow midfielder Ciara Kelly worked well together intercepting numerous balls in the centre and right of the pitch, creating some sparkling play down to Wickham in the corner.

Dunphy added another score at the start of the second half, followed by a brace for May Wickham in quick succession from penalty corners. Dunphy was eager to continue the momentum and secured her second hat trick of the season by cleverly slotting the ball through the Monkstown keeper’s pads. Left and right defenders Flood and Graham linked well with the mids and executed some pinpoint 2v1 passes up the sidelines. Smith also gave lots of options to the midfielders, creating lots of play with the space she saw.

Rynhart closed off the scoring – bring her to double figures for the season – with the home sides ninth goal, with a skilful flick over the Monkstown keeper’s foot into the back of the net. 

The side is now preparing for their upcoming cup semi final in the Astro Active Centre on Sunday, hosting Clontarf, with tip off at 2.45 p.m.

Squad: Norah McGinty, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Hannah Graham, Jessie Flood, Niamh Ogilvie, Ciara Kelly, Sonja Rynhart, Isabelle Walsh, Nancy Dunphy, May Wickham, Amy Murphy, Caoimhe Larkin.