Significant victory for Wicklow under-16 girls

WICKLOW LAOIS 4-17 2-04

WICKLOW U-16 ladies took on Laois in Round 5 of the Leinster Championship on Saturday in Baltinglass.

Despite having the lion’s share of possession in the opening half Wicklow failed to convert all the scoring chances that came their way and allowed Laois to remain in contention at the halfway mark.

Niamh O’Brien opened the scoring for Wicklow in the first minute and Laois responded with a point in the second.

Three points from Katie Miley and one each from Katie Bouchier and Amy Burke extended the Wicklow lead to five points but Laois responded with a goal and two points to level matters in the 16th minute.

Annie Conroy, Marie Kealy and Niamh O’Brien added three more points for Wicklow, while Laois’ Niamh Coss contributed another to their tally before the half-time whistle sounded. Wicklow led 0-9 to 1-4 at the break.

Wicklow dominated possession in the second half and began to find their mark in front of goal.

Kate Hennessy moved out to centre field and won possession from the throw in. Niamh O’Brien converted the break into a point and Katie Miley soon added a second.

A third point from Clodagh Fox and a well taken goal by Marie Kealy established a firm lead for the Wicklow side. With no response from Laois, Clodagh Fox and Annie Conroy added two further points and a second goal from Marie Kealy put the game beyond the reach of Laois.

A goal from the boot of Gráinne Moran was the only score for Laois in the second half but Chloe Dwyer in the Wicklow goal was called upon to make several saves as the Laois forwards piled on the pressure up to the last minute.

Katie Miley added two further points and two injury time goals from Eabha Barnes and Clodagh Fox followed by a point from Katie Bouchier sealed victory for the home side on a score-line of 4-17 to 2-4.

This was a great all round performance from Wicklow. Lisa Lawlor, Ríoghna McGettigan, Shauna Byrne and Heather Cullen were outstanding in the Wicklow back line.

There were also strong displays from Annie Conroy, Kate Hennessy, Katie Miley, Amy Burke, and Marie Kealy. Subs Clodagh Fox and Erynn O’Brien greatly influenced the game when they came on.

Best for Laois were Laura Peake, Andrea Moran, Liz Brophy and Niamh Coss.

The girls have to do it all again in a couple of weeks time when they will take on Laois in the Leinster Division I B final.

In the meantime it’s back to training as no doubt Laois will have a few surprises up their sleeve for the big game in three weeks time.