Published: Friday, 20th November, 2009 10:00am

Tullamore determined to secure victory in Leinster League

Tullamore Hockey Club

Tullamore 1st V Loreto

After narrowly missing out on progressing to the second round of the Leinster Hockey Cup, Tullamore were determined to secure a victory in the Leinster League and move into the top section of their division. Indeed from the very first whistle Tullamore played like the superior team, with numerous chances on goal within the first ten minutes. The forward line gelled excellently together with Jenny Molyneux forcing a talented Loreto goalie to make a wonderful save on the line from what looked like a certain goal. Unfortunately within minutes of her chance on goal Jenny was injured and had to be substituted with what later turned out to be a broken thumb. However her replacement Carmel Condron was on form and expertly got a touch on a shot from Sabrina Carroll and sent it brazenly through the goalies legs and onto the backboard to give Tullamore their well deserved first goal.

The back line and midfield played well together to quash any shots on target from Loreto and as a result the Tullamore goalie Clodagh Armitage did not have to contend with any shots on goal in the first half. At only 1-0 at half time Tullamore knew that a Loreto team who had not yet lost this season could easily come out after half time and put on some real pressure. This pressure came in the form of a short corner and Clodagh made an excellent save to keep Tullamore in the lead. It wasn't long after that Tullamore had the same opportunity at the other end of the pitch and after a previous few short corners in the first half, Emma Delahunt converted this one into a goal and it was 2-0. As hard and as well as they tried Loreto were unable to upset Tullamore and pose a significant threat. Indeed Tullamore went on to score a third and final goal two minutes from full time. Patricia Pereira took a free hit on the left hand side inside the Loreto 25, her hit found an unmarked Niamh Redmond inside the Loreto circle. Redmond took on the goalie one on one and didn't hesitate to blast the ball into the bottom left hand corner of goal. On what was a sunny but cool day, Tullamore proved they had the fire and determination to move into third place in the division. Next week they face Railway Union away and will be eager to avenge the defeat they suffered on sudden death penalty flicks in the cup.

Team: Clodagh Armitage, Catherine Longworth, Monica Cleary, Emma Delahunt, Patricia Friend-Pereira, Eleanor Bagnal, Yvonne Carter, Sabrina Carroll, Niamh Redmond, Carmel Condron, Jenny Molyneax, Belinda Murray (Captain). Coach Ray Spain. Umpire Imelda Murray.

Tullamore Under16s A beat Newbridge in West-Leinster League

Tullamore Under 16 As hosted Newbridge in the West Leinster League on Sunday last. The Tullamore team on paper looked an under strength side with only 11 players available to play. Any doubts were quickly dispelled as the team gelled together and put on a magnificent display of hockey skills. Rachel Brophy excelled on the right wing and relished any opportunity she had to fly down the right side and send in testing balls into the Newbridge circle. Ailis Redmond capitalised on one such cross to open the scoring for Tullamore. This was to set the pattern for the rest of the game with Tullamore dominating. Tullamore's keeper Emma Lynam had very little to do thanks to the fine efforts of the backline of Rachel and Sarah Keyes and Ellen Norton who kept Newbridge at bay.

Tullamore topped a fine performance with further two goals from Roisin Mahon and one from Rachel Brophy. Final score Tullamore 4 Newbridge 0.

Emma Lynam, Ellen Norton, Rachel Keyes, Ailis Redmond, Alice Carruthers, Jessie Somers, Aideen Mahon, Rachel Brophy, Aideen Naughton and Roisin Mahon. Coach Clodagh Armitage. Umpire: Gillian Redmond.