UCD 2
Gorey 2

Gorey faced one of the front runners for the league as they took on UCD in Bellfield on Saturday. Playing on the water-based pitch meant a quick shower before the off but on a beautiful day they weren’t long drying off. UCD started strongly and Gorey’s defence was straight into action. The pressure kept coming and some nifty passing from UCD gave them the lead.

In the second quarter, Gorey settled and broke forward into the UCD half with more consistency. Play switched from left to right allowing Muireann Deegan and Lynne Copeland to link up and really threaten the UCD goal. A cracking pass-in led to a goalmouth scramble with Lynne coming away with the spoils, one all. Overall this quarter was probably Gorey’s strongest as the tackling and pressure from our team was outstanding with a lot of turnover ball.

After half time Gorey kept the pressure on and both Aisling O’Dwyer and Odile Evans were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Gorey’s first short corner of the game finally came but on a bobbly pitch, Gorey couldn’t convert. Bridget Kenny and Ruth Evans in defense put in incredible tackles to keep the UCD onslaught at bay.

In the final quarter, Gorey fought to settle the game. A great pass up the left-hand side from Veronica Horan to Heather O’Sullivan to Lynne made it’s way to Muireann and into the back of the UCD goal. Gorey were ahead. Now was the time to dig deep and everyone pushed to reach each ball first. But just when it looked like we were nearly there confusion in the Gorey circle and a free player gave UCD an easy equaliser. In the final moments Gorey continued to push forward but the clock ran down and we were out of time. A good game and Gorey will take that!

Team: Abi Nuzum, Bridget Kenny, Vicky Hughes, Ruth Evans, Odile Evans, Robyn Swords, Ailbhe Booth, Nicola Ryan, Heather O’Sullivan, Veronica Horan, Aisling O’Dwyer, Lynne Copeland, Muireann Deegan.

Also in action on Saturday were the under 8 and under 10 girls as they played in blitzes with Wexford and Enniscorthy Hockey Clubs in Loreto Wexford. All the girls played brilliantly and had such a great time. Thank you as ever to the coaches and parents for your support.