The Laois Seconds travelled to Bray for the first round of the Division 9/10 Shield, facing difficult weather conditions that made for a challenging afternoon of hockey.
The opening quarter saw excellent link-up play from sister duo Molly and Lily, placing the Bray defence under early pressure. Laois forwards Emma Hewison, Emily, and Mikayla created several promising chances, registering multiple shots on goal but were unfortunate not to convert. The first quarter ended scoreless.
Laois maintained this pressure into the second quarter, with midfielders Lily, Evana, and Emma Holohan driving play and continuing to threaten the Bray goal. As halftime approached, the Laois defence — Molly, captain Jenny, Kellie, and Ellen — came under sustained pressure. This was handled confidently by young goalkeeper Daisy, who produced a series of impressive saves to keep Laois in the contest. However, Bray were eventually rewarded with a short corner, converting with a powerful strike to take a 1–0 lead just before the halftime whistle.
The Laois side showed great composure in the third quarter, keeping their heads and spending much of the period in the opposition half. Their attacking intent was rewarded with a short corner in the final play of the quarter. Ellen unleashed a strong strike, but a sharp glove save from the Bray goalkeeper denied the equaliser, leaving Laois still trailing by a single goal.
The fourth quarter began brightly for Laois, but as the game progressed the impact of having no substitutes began to show, with fatigue starting to take its toll. Bray capitalised on this late in the game, adding four quick goals to bring the final score to 5–0.
While the result did not go Laois’ way, each player showed great resilience, determination, and teamwork, battling right to the final whistle. Best wishes to Bray as they advance to the next round of the Shield.
The opening quarter saw excellent link-up play from sister duo Molly and Lily, placing the Bray defence under early pressure. Laois forwards Emma Hewison, Emily, and Mikayla created several promising chances, registering multiple shots on goal but were unfortunate not to convert. The first quarter ended scoreless.
Laois maintained this pressure into the second quarter, with midfielders Lily, Evana, and Emma Holohan driving play and continuing to threaten the Bray goal. As halftime approached, the Laois defence — Molly, captain Jenny, Kellie, and Ellen — came under sustained pressure. This was handled confidently by young goalkeeper Daisy, who produced a series of impressive saves to keep Laois in the contest. However, Bray were eventually rewarded with a short corner, converting with a powerful strike to take a 1–0 lead just before the halftime whistle.
The Laois side showed great composure in the third quarter, keeping their heads and spending much of the period in the opposition half. Their attacking intent was rewarded with a short corner in the final play of the quarter. Ellen unleashed a strong strike, but a sharp glove save from the Bray goalkeeper denied the equaliser, leaving Laois still trailing by a single goal.
The fourth quarter began brightly for Laois, but as the game progressed the impact of having no substitutes began to show, with fatigue starting to take its toll. Bray capitalised on this late in the game, adding four quick goals to bring the final score to 5–0.
While the result did not go Laois’ way, each player showed great resilience, determination, and teamwork, battling right to the final whistle. Best wishes to Bray as they advance to the next round of the Shield.
