GOREYHOCKEY

Gorey met Avoca in Enniscorthy on Saturday, one of only a few games that went ahead last weekend, due to the freezing conditions.

Gorey took push back but Avoca intercepted and made a break up the right wing. Avoca entered the circle, taking a shot.

Gorey’s ‘keeper, Fiona Mythen, made a skilful save, with her stick deflecting out wide for a long corner to Avoca.

Gorey’s defence of Vicky Hughes, Bridget Kenny, Ruth Evans and Corinna Bailey ensured Avoca didn’t get any return from the free.

Nicola Ryan took a line ball for Gorey, and won the first penalty corner. Robyn Swords pushed the ball out to Sarah Merrigan who flicked it to Nicola Ryan, and she in turn found Ailbhe Booth.

Zoe Kenny was at the post to convert from Ailbhe’s shot for an early lead.

From the re-start, Avoca lost possession when Corrina Bailey made an important tackle, passing inside to Robyn Swords up field who found Ailbhe Booth.

Ailbhe took aim and buried the ball in the left corner, doubling Gorey’s lead (2-0).

Moments later, winger Muireann Deegan was unlucky not to score when she hit the post.

A free out to Avoca was awarded, but midfielder Ailbhe Booth won possession and travelled towards goal. Muireann Deegan made no mistake this time, scoring Gorey’s third.

Avoca re-started once more, advancing into Gorey’s half. Avoca’s pressure paid off when they were rewarded with a penalty corner on the stroke of half-time which they scored (3-1).

The second-half saw Gorey make some changes in the front and back lines, with Odile Evans and Sabhdh Corcoran coming on to try to break Avoca down.

The teams fought it out but there was no change to the scoreline, with Gorey running out winners to give them three more points.

Gorey now draw level on points with Genesis at the top of the league table.

Next up for Gorey is another league clash with Muckross on Saturday, February 9.

Team: Fiona Mythen (capt.), Vicky Hughes, Bridget Kenny, Ruth Evans, Corrina Bailey, Nicola Ryan, Ailbhe Booth (1), Robyn Swords, Zoe Kenny (1),Sarah Merrigan, Muireann Deegan (1), Sabhdh Corcoran, Odile Evans.