Wexford bounce back in Offaly
WEXFORD OFFALY 5-10 3-6
AFTER AN opening loss, Wexford bounced back with a great performance to see off Offaly and take their first points in the Leinster Under-16 camogie championship in Kilcormac on Saturday.
The Slaneysiders were a little disappointed with their performance in the game against Dublin to kick-off the campaign, but they blew away the rust and were ready for the tough challenge that Offaly posed.
And pose it they did. There were some big hits dealt out, with Aoife O’Connor, in particular, at the heart of all the major collisions in midfield. But this performance certainly wasn’t about just O’Connor, or the unplayable Molly Crowdle, as this was a real team performance.
All 15 starters contributed in a positive way and when it came to look at the bench, it was a tough decision for management when selecting someone to withdraw.
That said, Wexford were able to use their full panel so everyone got some important minutes in their legs.
It was a tight first-half with both sides looking to feel their way into things. However, eventually Wexford started to show their class with Lorna Fortune finding the net and Bunclody duo Aoife Mahon and Lisa Kelly amongst the scorers.
A 1-6 to 0-4 interval lead for the visitors looked like a solid advantage on paper, but these games can change quickly. Indeed, despite goalscoring heroics from Crowdle, Offaly were able to get back within three points midway through the second-half.
Still, with six different sources of scores - Siobhán Sinnott and Emma Tomkins also added points - you’re always going to keep the scoreboard moving.
Wexford did that as Crowdle brought her incredible tally to four goals and her side coasted over the line in the end.
The win was crucial for manager Brendan Tobin and his team, as they can now see a way into the provincial final with victory against Kilkenny on Sunday week.
And, given their improvement in the space of a week, there’s no reason why they can’t take on and beat the Noresiders on home turf.
Wexford: Sophie Roche; Amy Mitten, Amy Cahill, Yvonne Kelly; Aoife Mahon (0-4), Ciara Walsh, Muireann Fitzpatrick; Aoife O’Connor, Lauren Doyle; Lorna Fortune (1-0), Emma Dempsey, Siobhán Sinnott (0-3); Lisa Kelly (0-2), Molly Crowdle (40), Emma Tomkins (0-1). Subs. - Tanya Kennedy, Naoise Hennessy, Nadine Fortune, Andrea Fielding, Ciara O’Connor.