Goal-hungry Navan hit back to take title in fine style

HOCKEY

Navan 4

Monkstown 1

THERE was Leinster League success for Navan Hockey Club's first year girl’s team when they took on Monkstown in the final at Rathdown School in Glenageary.

The Navan girls had to do it the hard way coming from behind to register a noteworthy victory following a stellar overall performance.

Navan were fast to attack and put great pressure on in the early states but it was Monkstown who found the net first after a sleek pass through which they finished strong to the corner.

That concession didn’t disrupt Navan’s fast flowing play and they were quick to rally with Omolara Adesanye sweeping home a fantastic opener for the Meath side. Navan had some great run throughs by Eleanor Dixon and Kate Clarke and both were unlucky not to find the net but continued to command the ball. It ultimately proved decisive, winning the short corners that turned the tide in Navan's direction.

It resulted in two fantastic goals from Lucy Quirke and Zoe Monahan on the shorts. Navan kept pushing themselves as Monkstown continued to test the waters with Niamh Kilcooley in goals making some outstanding saves to keep them at bay.

Katie Martin, Ruthy O’Dea, Ana-Maria Andris and captain Amabel Townshend pulled out all the stops to break down their play and restart the Navan attacks from the back.

Impact subs Hanna Skoczylas and Laoise Leufergavigan played their part and it allowed Navan to hold their shape and keep the momentum going. Lucy Quirke topped off the scoring with her second goal when she stormed the Monkstown circle. They girls held control to the end.

Navan – Niamh Kilcooley, Katie Martin, Ruthy O’Dea, Ana-Maria Andris, Amabel Townshend, Omolara Adesanye, Eleanor Dixon, Zoe Monahan, Kate Clarke, Lucy Quirke McGrath, Laoise Leufergavigan, Hanna Skoczylas.