Greenfields Hockey Club put up a brave performance against a slick and skilful Corinthians side in the first round of the Irish Senior Cup, but ultimately went down by 2 - 1.
Greenfields qualified for this cup competition for the first time after winning the Irish Trophy last season, but came up against Corinthians who play their hockey in division one of the Leinster Senior League. Despite the step-up in standard, Greenfields showed they were capable of competing at the highest level.
In appalling conditions at Dangan, the game was played at a breakneck pace with the Greenfields’ defence holding out stoutly to a fast and furious start from Corinthians.
Superb defence from Catherine Moore and Clodagh Grealy, and a number of excellent stops from keeper Sinead Collins, kept Corinthians at bay until they finally got on the scoreboard from a short corner with a great shot from Carol McGowan.
Ten minutes later Corinthians took control when a penalty decision went their way. Clodagh Grealy put her body on the line to save a definite goal and a penalty stroke was awarded. Again Carol McGowan stepped forward and converted.
Greenfields, however, grew in confidence through the second half and good work by Neasa McGettigan, Elaine Hall, Rachel Wyer, Alice Meagher and Liz Tighe created chances which went unrewarded. A couple of short corners gave Greenfields chances with Mary Healy’s shot producing a fine save from the Corinthinans’ keeper. Following a great break from Clodagh Grealy, Alma Whelan saw her shot go just wide.
Catherine Moore, Sarah McDonald and Siobhan Divilly repelled further Corinthian attacks as Greenfields pressed forward to gain something from the game.
With a minute left on the clock Greenfields finally were rewarded for their heroic efforts with a well-taken goal from a short corner by Mary Healy.
Greenfields, the Irish Hockey Association’s club of the year, will have learned from this outing, and they will now be confident when taking on Fermoy on November 24 in defence of their Irish Trophy.
Connacht Senior league results: Galway1v Yeats 3-0; Greenfields2 v Galway2, 2-0; U-16 League, GreenfieldsA v AthloneA 4-0; GreenfieldsC v AthloneB 1-0; GreenfieldsB v GalwayA 0-3.
