The second round of the U16’s spring league against a combined Rathkenny/Slane team was played out in very wet and windy conditions at Walterstown on Tuesday evening, both teams going full blast for the full hour’s play. In the end, it was a solitary goal that separated the teams.
Walterstown was first off the mark with a long range point from Laura Fox. Playing with the wind on our back, Waterstown continued to press the visitors defence, a suburb pass by Marie McCarthy into the full forward line found Eimear Tobin free who finished to the net magnificently. Rathkenny/Slane fought back well and got 3 points for their efforts and it could off been more had it not been for the resolute defence lead by Sadhbh Murtagh Leanne O’Neill and Kym Moyles .
Walterstown mid-field trio of Olivia O’Sullivan, Laura Fox and Eleanor Murchan took full control of the remaining first half with a steady supply of quality passes to the forward line. Goal chances followed thick and fast with shots hitting the cross bar and upright from the very mobile Moya Fotrell before Eimear Tobin banged in her second goal of the night. Late points from Kate McCarthy and Rachel Hennelly made it 2:4 to 0:3 points at the break.
The second half opened with both sides trading blows, the skies darkened and a curtain of rain drifted in from the north changing the momentum in favour of the visitors. Pressure on the Walterstown defence increased with Leanne O’Neill, Antonia Brady and Aoife Farrell keeping Rathkenny/Slane attacking forwards at bay. Ciara Looby made some great saves and goal line clearances before Rathkenny/Slane efforts were rewarded with a well taken shot on goal. This was quickly followed by a point to leave just 2 points between the teams. It was all hands to pump as Sadhbh Murtagh and Anna Frazer made some unbelievable last ditch blocks and clearances.
Walterstown nerves were eased with a superb point from Kate McCarthy. Rachel Hennelly and Marie McCarthy came close again as the home team finished strongly. The hectic pace of the game took its toll with both sides loosing players to injury. Leanne O’ Neill sustained a hand injury which gave Carina Boyle her first opportunity to play for Walterstown as she slotted nicely into the forward line.
Ciara Looby, Leanne O’Neill, Sadhbh Murtagh, Kym Moyles, Anna Frazer, Antonia Brady, Aoife Farrell, Eleanor Murchan, Kate McCarthy, Laura Fox, Olivia O’Sullivan, Rachel Hennelly, Moya Fotrell, Eimear Tobin, Marie McCarthy, Carina Boyle
