McDonald strike does the trick for Greenfields women

IN difficult conditions in Dangan on Sunday last, Greenfields firsts continued their unbeaten run in the Connacht Senior Women’s Hockey League.

With the Irish Senior Cup and the Irish Hockey League ahead of them, it was important for Greenfields to continue their good form, and they did so in a tough match against last year’s Senior Connacht Cup winners NUIG.

Greenfields started the stronger of the two sides with some great attacking moves coming from Pam Ryan, Alma Whelan and Trish Garrett, creating chances in the first 15 minutes, but these attacks were dealt with effectively by the NUIG defence controlled by Clare Watson and Amy Rossiter.   

NUIG’s Amy O’Connor, Orla Callanan and Tara Melvin kept pressure on but were kept at bay by the Greenfields defence. Catherine Moore was sidelined with a knee injury, requiring Greenfields defence to regroup, with Anna Boyce coming into right back and Sarah McDonald stepping into a central position.

NUIG’s game really opened up towards the end of the first half when they enjoyed their best spell. Despite the terrible conditions, both sides showed grit and determination throughout the game, with end to end play keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

It was a quick free by Ellie Noone that broke the deadlock. Mary McDonald found space on the far post and deflected the ball high into the back of the net for a spectacular goal.

 NUIG fought to the end in search of an equaliser but some fine saves from the ever reliable Sinéad Collins, together with solid defending by Áine Collins and Neasa McGettigan, and hard work in midfield from Becky Anderson, Elaine Hall and Liz Tighe, kept NUIG at bay to make it five wins from five.

Greenfields 1sts, who will make history in March when they become the first Connacht team to play in the Irish Hockey League, will be happy with three points in the bag and to continue their unbeaten run in the Connacht Senior League.

Greenfields 2nds were also in action last weekend when they lined out against Yeats. A fast paced game, it was Greenfields who looked more in command from early on.

Although Yeats threatened on occasions, the young Greenfields team took their chances with Clodagh Kennedy (2), Rebecca Gilligan, Kate Hennessy and Ailish Walsh getting on the scoreboard in a 5-nil triumph.