Sluggish Wexford lose
A SLUGGISH Wexford got off to a slow start and never quite recovered in their second outing in the Liberty Insurance Intermediate camogie championship against Tipperary in The Ragg on Saturday.
Coming off a fighting draw against champions Kilkenny, but without Joanne Dillon, who was promoted to the Senior squad, omens were mixed for Wexford. However, the Slaneysiders were slow to get going after the travelling and fell behind to an early goal.
While Tipp were comfortably the better team in the opening half, Róisín Kelly kept the score- board ticking over for Wexford. They were also given a fillip when Deirdre McMahon kicked home from close range after a good team build-up.
Yet with just three Kelly dead balls to go along with the McMahon major, Wexford went in 2-7 to 1-3 behind against a stronger Tipperary side which had lost its first game heavily, away to Antrim.
After the break Wexford didn’t score with great regularity but did up their performance a little. Sorcha Foley added her name to the scoresheet from play and Róisín Kelly popped over another pair of frees to keep Wexford moving.
The midfield worked hard in the second-half and Eimear Nolan put herself about. In defence, Glynn-Barntown youngster Clodagh Jackman stepped up to the plate with a solid performance and captain Leah Walsh led by example.
However, the hosts kept their tally moving too and Wexford failed to close the gap. Late on the Slaneysiders went hunting for goals but couldn’t find the net again to put a fairer reflection on the scoreboard.
Wexford don’t have long to lick their wounds, as they are back in action at home to Antrim on Saturday with the game scheduled for Wexford Park (2.30 p.m.). A win is vital to keep reasonable hopes of progression to the semi-finals alive with games against Derry and Kildare to follow.
Wexford: Jemma Doyle; Clodagh Jackman, Aideen Brennan, Marie Claire Morrissey; Leah Walsh (capt.), Nicole Fortune, Michelle Harding; Shauna Kelly, Aisling Cronin; Eimear Nolan, Róisín Kelly (0-5 frees), Deirdre McMahon (1-0); Margaret Byrne, Sorcha Foley (0-1), Aoife Sheil. Subs. - Mairéad Sheehan for S. Kelly, Chloe Cashe for McMahon.