Eir U16A Kilkenny v’s Limerick, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
Kilkenny 2-10
Limerick 1-9
On a bright sunny day in Limerick, the U16 girls got their All Ireland series off to a winning start with a 4 point win over a very competitive, strong and skilful Limerick team.
Noa Bambrick opened the scoring after 5 minutes, with a good run from Rachael Duff who passed the ball into her and Noa finished it accurately. Limerick responded well to Kilkenny’s good start and scored the next four points to lead 0-4 to 0-1 (2 from free taker Lucy Higgins, 1 each from Ciara Murphy & Eabha Hayes). After diligent work in the half forward line, Meabh Kenny received an excellent ball from Noa Bambrick and Meabh put it over the bar. Further points from Kate Dalton and Dearbhla Ryan made it a drawn game. Just before half time, Kate Dalton sent a low ball into Dearbhla Ryan in the corner, who then passed it into Meabh Kenny, who finished it into the back of the net. Kilkenny’s defence, led by Robyn Corcoran and Sinead Cash, ensured that Limerick didn’t score in the closing minutes of the first half. Kilkenny lead 1-4 to 0-4 at half time.
Ruby Norris was introduced at the beginning of the second half. With her first possession, Ruby made a great run, found Noa Bambrick in space and Noa placed it over the bar. Rachael Duff followed this up with a lovely point. Soon after, Elizabeth Sida was introduced, she won possession from a ruck and gave a wonderful ball to Maebh Kenny, who was out in front of her marker, gathered the ball and put it over the bar. Limerick were also working very hard and dominated a lot of the rucks and their number 12, Ciara Murphy scored a fine point, half way through the second half. Kilkenny had further points from Noa Bambrick (free) and Rachael Duff. Captain Ciara Joyce was working very hard in the backs and Amy Walsh was powerful at midfield. With 5 mins to go, Rachael Duff moved into full forward and immediately found the net with a well worked goal. Noa Bambrick finished off the scoring for Kilkenny with a fine point. Limerick finished the game with a late goal, worked in well by their forwards. All players who took to the field showed great work rate and a high skill level.
Final Score: Kilkenny 2-10, Limerick 1-9.
Substitutions for Kilkenny: R. Norris for L. Ahern, E. Sida for I. Carroll, R. Smith for D. Ryan, R. Mullins for K. Dalton, S. McCabe for M. Kenny, A. Maher for K. Mulcahy, H. Drennan for S. Farrell.
Scorers: Meabh Kenny 1-2, Noa Bambrick 0-3, Rachael Duff 1-2, Kate Dalton 0-1, Dearbhla Ryan 0-1, Ruby Norris 0-1.
By PRO
Thu 12th Feb