Laois 2s made the trip to Newpark Comprehensive School to take on Avoca 6s on Saturday, 8th November. The Laois side was ready for the tough challenge and began the opening quarter with strong defensive play from the Laois backs of Charlotte, Vicky, Averil and Emma Holohan. The side also welcomed a familiar face back between the posts, with Caroline returning in goals. The home side had plenty of shots which kept the Laois back line on their toes throughout the first quarter. The backs were well supported by the midfield trio of Ciara, Sophie and Eleanor. The first quarter ended with no score for either team.
Laois found themselves under sustained pressure in the early stages of the second quarter, facing several short corners, but the home side were unable to break through, with Caroline making some fantastic saves. There was lovely link-up play from midfield through to the forwards — Poppy, Jenny (Captain) and Abbie — but they were unlucky not to change the scoreline. The final play of the second quarter ended with Laois being awarded a short corner for feet in the circle, however Eleanor was unlucky not to find the backboard.
A number of changes were made by team manager Buen, which saw Laois come out with great energy in the third quarter. The momentum stayed with Laois, who enjoyed most of the possession, with excellent passing from midfield through to the forward line. Returning player Mikayla made lovely passes from her midfield position to allow Sophie and Poppy to get several shots on target. It wasn’t until the last five minutes when Ciara made a break up the middle and secured the first goal of the game. Laois knew Avoca would react strongly, and the home side immediately launched their counter attack. Unfortunately, Avoca were awarded a short corner which, despite the defenders’ best efforts, found the backboard with a powerful strike from the top of the circle. The final few minutes were very intense, with both sides battling to keep the score at 1–1. In the last minute of the third quarter, the home side were awarded another short corner, and after the ball was deflected off a defender’s foot, the umpire awarded a flick. Caroline was more than ready for the challenge, read the Avoca player brilliantly, and made a dramatic save. Players and supporters alike were relieved to hear the whistle for the end of the third quarter.
Laois regrouped during the break and started the fourth quarter with clear intent to swing the scoreline back in their favour. Every player worked hard to keep the match level, however in the final minutes of the quarter, the home side found the backboard again to take the lead. Laois did not give up until the final whistle and should be very proud of their performance against a very strong side. A special mention to Buen and to all the supporters who made the trip to cheer on the girls.
Laois 2s are back in action next Saturday, 15th November at home in Loreto Kilkenny, as they welcome the North Kildare 4s.
