WEXFORDHOCKEY

Wexford firsts continue to impress as they make their mark on the Leinster League. Clontarf made their way to Wexford for last weekend’s league game.

As with all this year’s games, there is an element of uncertainty as all opponents this season are unknown to the Wexford side. Wexford were without a few of their regular starters for this game but luckily they have a squad of well-equipped players to lean on.

Wexford started off the stronger side and were unlucky not to convert early. It took Clontarf some time to settle after their journey to the south-east.

Wexford capitalised on this slow start as Miriam Lambert converted from a goalmouth scramble to put the team 1-0 up going in at half-time.

Wexford had yet to concede a goal this season and the back line worked relentlessly in stemming the waves of Clontarf attacks. Despite this pressure, Wexford kept finding ways to push forward and were awarded a short corner for their efforts.

Muireann McCarthy received the ball and slipped it to Ciara O’Leary who forced the goalkeeper to make a close-range save, but it was cleared into the path of Lambert who converted her second score.

Clontarf refused to give up and were unlucky not to convert when they sent a rocket of a shot which hit the crossbar and was cleared by the hard-working defence. Eventually Clontarf were awarded a short corner which was, unfortunately for Wexford, deflected by a defender into the net, leaving ‘keeper Anna Hayes with no chance.

The game stood at 2-1 with ten minutes left. Luckily Deirdre Bolger was on hand to receive a ball from Alannah Davis and calmly sent a perfectly-weighted pass to Lambert who had sneaked in around the back of the Clontarf defence and converted her third goal.

Wexford eventually ran out 3-1 winners. Well done to all involved including coach Dave Williamson on this great start to the season.

Wexford: Anna Hayes, Chloe O’Connor, Joanne Grant, Leonie Grant, Ciara O’Leary, Ciara McGrath, Alannah Davis, Sinéad Goggin, Rosie O’Brien, Deirdre Bolger, Muireann McCarthy, Miriam Lambert, Catríona Corcaran.

Next Saturday, November 11, sees Wexford firsts take on Dublin’s Loreto in the Enniscorthy Astro Centre at 3.30 p.m. Support is always appreciated. Please follow our progress on Facebook or on our web page.