E’CORTHY HOCKEY

There was disappointment for Enniscorthy Hockey Club’s men’s first eleven who had been hoping to achieve their first league and cup double on Saturday, losing to rivals Wicklow in a closely-contested encounter at East Glendalough School.

This was always bound to be tight affair, with the Division 4 champions taking on the league’s third-placed side, while previous encounters between the two teams had always been full of tension.

Saturday’s final was no exception, and for the Slaneysiders the margins were tighter still with defenders Andrew Rothwell (family reasons) and Clive Rothwell (injury) unavailable, while top scorer (and former Wicklow player) James O’Sullivan was not fully fit having very recently returned from injury.

Despite this, Enniscorthy held the balance of play in the first quarter, with Durnan crossing dangerously, Rynhart enjoying taking on the Wicklow defence, while Hogan and Durnan were also getting the better of their counterparts in orange.

With 20 minutes on the clock Enniscorthy had the lead, Hogan’s ball in from the right finding Rynhart and the Ferns youngster making no mistake from close range.

The hosts, though, quickly responded, with David Nuzum’s ball finding its way past Hill in the Enniscorthy goal via a penalty corner just four minutes later.

Wicklow were finding their feet now, and Enniscorthy’s defence were having to work hard, with David Simmons and Ivan Rothwell in particular having to make important tackles.

At the other end Rynhart, Medcalf and Hogan were combining well but finding little change from a well-drilled Wicklow defence.

After the break Wicklow were that bit more alert and quickly grabbed the lead through Eoin Byrne. The home side tipped off and a long aerial found Byrne, who nudged the ball past right back Ivan Rothwell, and the Wicklow man pushed low under the advancing Hill in the Enniscorthy goal.

What followed was a helter-skelter half with momentum swinging in favour of both sides throughout.

Enniscorthy quickly responded to Wicklow’s goal with a penalty corner but Medcalf’s shot was well saved by the Wicklow goalkeeper.

Ivan Rothwell together with Simmons and Hogan had to work hard to break up waves of Wicklow attacks, with Glenn Chapman providing valuable service from midfield.

There was drama at the death when Rynhart had a second disallowed; Daithí Medcalf’s ball into the circle from the left found a Wicklow foot before the ball looped high in the air and Rynhart thought he had found the equaliser.

The umpires, though, had other ideas, awarding a penalty corner, and in the melee that followed Wicklow were able to clear their lines, and condemn Enniscorthy to only their third defeat of the season.

Squad: Graham Hill, David Simmons, Ivan Rothwell, Glenn Chapman, Roy Chapman, Seb Rynhart, Daithí Medcalf, William Durnan, Charlie Dunne, Jake English, Edmundas Luikimas, James O’Sullivan, Cian Hogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.

Despite the cup final defeat, there was some good news for the men’s first eleven as defender Andrew Rothwell was announced as a member of the Leinster Junior interprovincial squad which will take on their counterparts from across the country later this month.

The tournament, being held at the Cork Harlequins grounds at Farmer’s Cross in Cork, takes place over May 12 and 13.

The club A.G.M. takes place this Thursday evening at the IFA Centre on the Millpark Road in Enniscorthy, with proceedings getting under way at 8 p.m.

For players - club members or otherwise - social hockey returns on Wednesday, May 30, from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and each week until further notice.

The pitch hire fee is €5 per person, and it is hoped to have tournaments on two Saturdays over the summer. Players aged 15 and older are most welcome.

A club celebration and recognition evening will take place on Saturday, May 26, in the IFA Centre in Enniscorthy.