Laois Hockey Club continues to go from strength to strength, with both senior teams winning this past weekend.
As a results, the Firsts have moved top of Division 6, while the Seconds went clear at the top of Division 11.
The full reports are below:
Laois 3 Gorey 1
Leinster Women’s Hockey League – Division 6
On Saturday morning Laois HC Firsts took on Gorey in Loreto Kilkenny. Laois were impressive from the start with 3 goals in quick succession in the first quarter.
After five short corners in a row, April Kent found the backboard with a beautiful strike from the top of the circle.
Amy Moynan did very well and got on the end of 2 shots to finish them off for the second and third goals.
Gorey clawed their way back into the game, however, with a goal from a short corner before the end of the first quarter.
The rest of the game saw great displays of teamwork and individual play from Laois, who managed to keep their lead and get the points on the board with a 3-1 win.
Laois Firsts will compete in their first Cup match this season away to Pembroke Wanderers next Saturday, November 25, at 11am.
Laois Portrane
Leinster Women’s Hockey League – Division 11
Later in the afternoon the Laois Seconds side took on Portrane in a top-of-the-table clash in Kilkenny College.
It was an eagerly anticipated fixture as both teams had been unbeaten so far this season and there were plenty of nerves prior to the match.
Laois were lucky to score after ten minutes after a pass from Yvonne Hargroves to Gloria Lewis at the top of the circle.
The Portrane midfielders were very strong, and there were many tired bodies on the pitch in the second half.
But the home side did not give up, even after Portrane scored in the third quarter to bring the sides level.
In the last quarter, Averil Atkinson took a quick free from the halfway line to Evana Cassidy outside the circle who weaved her way around the Portrane defence to put Laois ahead again.
The Laois defence was under unbelievable pressure in the last quarter and had to defend five short corners in a row at one stage.
Jayne Telford stopped a ball on the line before Aisling Gormley had to deflect an aerial shot at goal.
There were some amazing saves from goalkeeper Caroline Coburn to keep Portrane out, leaving Laois were very glad to hear the final whistle blow.
It was a super team effort from each member of the Laois Seconds panel. Everyone played their hearts out and left everything on the pitch.
In a game where we got no short and only two long corners, it was a great testament to the forwards to be able to convert with the little possession we had.
A few injury concerns with Gloria Lewis, Jayne Telford and Charlotte Nagle who hopefully will have recovered for the next away match versus Rathgar in two weeks.
SEE ALSO – Rugby: Portlaoise U-14 Girls maintain top spot in Leinster League Division 1
