Greenfields land an excellent one-two in Connacht Hockey League.
Local rivals Greenfields 1sts and Galway 1sts met in the Connacht Senior Hockey League, with Greenfields defending their title from last season. Both teams, having won their opening matches, were in search of three points which would guarantee an exciting match.
The opening minutes of the game saw pressure from Galway with several plays created by right midfielder Cara Witherow. However, the always reliable Greenfields defensive line, with the addition of Neasa McGettigan moving back from midfield, prevented any solid chances. The first real opportunity in the game came from a short corner won by Trish Garett resulting in Ellie Noone hitting the woodwork and Aine Collins reverse shot well saved. Last season’s Irish U16 player Noone had a further chance a couple of minutes later with a shot from another corner just edging wide. The first goal of the game came after 9 minutes for the ladies in green. An attack out of defence by centre back McGettigan led to a well-timed pass to Garett on the left who fed the ball across the goal for a deflection finished by newly returned to the west, Pamela Ryan.
Although there was some strong defending by Emma Glanville and Hannah Gormley of Galway, Greenfields took control and created some more close chances. Persistent pressure by Alma Whelan on the right and good control by centre midfield Becky Anderson created another chance for Noone but the angle was too tight. The second goal came from lively forward Alice Meagher who took on a ball passed across the circle and coolly flicked it high into the top left corner. Several attacking attempts by right back Anne Madden brought Galway back into the game but the Greenfields defence of Aine Collins, Catherine Moore and Sarah McDonald held strong and they led 2-0 at half time.
Galway took advantage of a 2 minute sin-bin and won two consecutive penalty corners with increased attacking by Glanville, who then went on to strike twice but the runners held their ground. Both teams swapped impressive running patterns on the wings as Witherow and Mary Healy were blocked by opposing defence. Hardworking midfielder Liz Tighe had a great one-two interaction with also newly returned Mary McDonald. Greenfields finally converted one of their penalty corners- fast out by McDonald, treble dodge by McGettigan and tapped in by Healy. Sinead Collins will be happy to have kept a clean sheet for her team asthe game ended with a victory for the defending League champions.
Final score: Greenfields 1sts 3 – Galway 1sts 0
Greenfields 2nds faced Galway 2nds also in the Connacht Senior League on Sunday. Carmel Heery opened the scoring early in the first half netting one for Greenfields. Elaine hall controlled things for Greenfields in midfield with the support of Siobhan Divilly and Kate Hennessy. It wasn’t long before Sinead Minihan made it 2-0 to Greenfields following a counter attack. Galway looked dangerous and continued to put the pressure on the Greenfields defence with good attacking moves from Gemma Rhatigan, Leah Casey and Grace Melvin. The pressure paid off with Niamh O’Sullivan finding the net and minutes later Grace Melvin equalising making it 2-2. A close game pursued in the second half with both teams piling on the pressure and both keepers Laoise Fegan (Greenfields) & Ailbhe Nally (Galway) pulling off some fantastic saves. It was a short corner that secured the win for Greenfields with Clodagh Kennedy slotting home the winner.
Final score: Greenfields 2nds 3 -Galway 2nds 2.
