The dream of “the double” is very much alive for Enniscorthy Hockey Club’s ladies first eleven after a tense 1-0 cup semi final win on Sunday afternoon over nemesis side Clontarf.
After defeat to Clontarf in the league a mere 2 weeks prior, Enniscorthy were eager to show the Dubliners what they were really made of, despite the wintry weather conditions. Nevertheless, both teams desire to win this crucial semi-final was evident from the start. Following a tense first few minutes, Enniscorthy were on the attack. Forward Sonja Rynhart and midfielder Niamh Ogilvie both had shots on goal within the first 10 minutes, which were wide or saved respectively.
Enniscorthy were awarded a penalty corner 10 minutes after a foul in the circle by Clontarf. Ciara Kelly executed a perfect injection to Leah Chapman at the top of the circle, who switched it back to Kelly to deflect past the Clontarf defence and goalie onto the backboard. Elated with the early score, the home side continued to put pressure on the visitors. Excellent work by on the right side of the pitch by Hannah Graham, Kelly and forward May Wickham in the corner threatened several times, but were unlucky to get a result from their attack.
Clontarf increased the tempo in the ensuing minutes, with breaks down the sides put pressure on the Enniscorthy defence of Hannah Graham, Laura Smith, Jessie Flood and Julie Watchorn. Enniscorthy had another chance when midfielder Leah Chapman made a break for goal, with a pass to forward Isabelle Walsh, who was unlucky that her shot went agonisingly wide. Walsh also made a number of solo runs up the left side of the pitch into space but was met by the strong Clontarf defence on a number of occasions.
After the half-time break, Clontarf again came out fighting however the Enniscorthy defence was too strong and was able to cut off a lot of the Bulls attack. Right and left midfielders Kelly and Aoife Mahon cut off numerous of cross field passes, as did Chapman and forward Nancy Dunphy and Enniscorthy maintained most of the possession in the second half, with shots on goal from Rynhart and Ogilvie again saved. Forward Caoimhe Larkin was unlucky that the cross-field ball in her direction was cut off by the Clontarf defence before it reached her.
Delighted when the final whistle blew, the Enniscorthy Ladies now look to win the double, with the league title in hand and the cup final at the end of the season.
Squad: Norah McGinty, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Hannah Graham, Jessie Flood, Aoife Mahon, Niamh Ogilvie, Leah Chapman, Ciara Kelly, Sonja Rynhart, May Wickham, Nancy Dunphy, Isabelle Walsh, Caoimhe Larkin.
Coach: Donal Doyle
Assistant Coach: Alan Smith
Manager: Jackie Wickham
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