Greenfields Hockey Club began 2015 in style with a comprehensive win over arch rivals Galway Hockey Club last Sunday. Played in terrible conditions Galway started with the wind at their backs and enjoyed some good early possession in the Greenfields 22. Galway secured the first penalty corner of the game following this good period, but Greenfields defensive short corner team of Kelly Dunleavy, Elaine Hall, Neasa McGettigan and Ashling Keaveney defended confidently.
Following this solid period for Galway, Greenfields took an early lead. The ball broke through centre back Mary McDonald, who found player of the match Kate Hennessy in midfield. The ball worked its way through the midfield and eventually fell to Elaine Hall, who found Hennessy in the circle. Hennessy fended off numerous tackles from the Galway defence before expertly slotting the ball passed the Galway keeper.
Greenfields second goal came a few minutes later following excellent play from New Zealand native Alex Hunt, which resulted in Hennessy receiving the ball on the right hand side from Ellie Noone. Hennessy found Hall who slotted home Greenfields second goal and her first of the match.
Greenfields kept the pressure on throughout the first half and were rewarded with a penalty corner 10 minutes before half time. A well-executed corner saw Captain Neasa McGettigan deliver a perfect pass to Hennessy, who deflected it into the net getting her second of the day and Greenfields 3rd.
Greenfields were unlucky not to go 4 up before the break following a great individual run from Sinead Minihan carrying from the half way then laying off a ball to Alma Whelan which was courageously intercepted by Galway’s Catherine Clancy to deny Greenfields a certain goal. Galway continued to play attacking hockey and were awarded with several penalty corners following good work from Katie Codyre and Dee Hatton.
The second half commenced as the first half ended, with some fine work up the right hand side by Carmel Heery and Kate Hennessy. It wasn’t long before Greenfields made it 4 after Minihan dropped the ball into the circle to Whelan. She found the unmarked Ellie Noone who scored a spectacular goal to the top right corner. Captain McGettigan controlled proceedings from centre midfield throughout and Hall got her second goal and Greenfields fifth after a great run from Trish Garrett.
Following this victory Greenfields have taken a step closer to retaining the Connacht Senior League. The winner of this will qualify for next season’s full Irish Hockey League where the top ten teams in the Country will compete on a league basis home and away throughout the season.
Greenfields face NUIG 1sts next Sunday, January 18th at 2.30pm in Dangan. C'mon out & support your favourite team!
