Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel Junior County Semi Final
John Lockes 3 – 17
Blacks & Whites 1 – 03
John Lockes secured their place in the Rivercourt Junior County Final with a comprehensive win over the Blacks & Whites in the James Stephens Kells Road venue. Despite heavy rain on the previous day, pitch conditions were excellent with a strong cross field wind being the most challenging of the elements.
The first half of the game was a balanced affair, with the Blacks and Whites rueing a plenty miss from Gwen Wade who scored two of their first half points, supported by a point from Rachael Duff. An excellent point blank save by goalkeeper Ann Maire Lennon from an Emily Phelan rocket gave them their half time score of 3 points.
John Lockes half time score was 1 – 04, with scores coming from Emily Phelan, Aisling O’Sullivan and Rachel Phelan. Two early goals from John Lockes immediately after the start of the second half put Blacks & Whites on the back foot; Emily Phelan was quickest to react with a goal from an Aisling O’Sullivan free that came off of the post, followed almost instantly with goal number 3 from Chloe O’Donovan. From there on John Lockes led the charge with Aisling O’Sullivan making little of the elements, added another 10 points (4 from frees), Emily Phelan tagged on 2 more points and Leah O’Donovan got her name on the score sheet contributing one point.
Despite the best efforts of Kate Drennan and Gwen Wade, Blacks & Whites only score of the second half was a last-minute consolation goal from substitute Kayla Farrell. The defensive effort of the full back line from Caroline O’Brien and Roisin Moran was admirable but struggled to cope with the lively Emily Phelan and Aisling O’Sullivan. While John Lockes were a balanced outfit across the field, Sarah Roche and Rachel Phelan stood out for their immense work rate.
John Lockes now go on to play Tullogher Rosbercon in the Rivercourt Hotel Junior County Final.
By PRO Wed 28th Oct
