With a 100% record coming into this game Greenfields were determined to consolidate their position at the top of the table in the Connacht Senior Hockey League. Having recovered from the celebrations of their “Club of the Year” Award last weekend, they had their sights set on living up to that reputation and they did not disappoint against a spirited NUIG side. Despite the appalling conditions both sides served up a thoroughly entertaining game and the supporters who braved the driving rain were treated to a game of high skill and some great goals.
NUIG started well and their early pressure was rewarded when a shot from outside the circle was deflected by a defender and crept past the keeper. This sparked Greenfields into life and after great work by Elaine Hall the equaliser was skilfully netted by Mary Healy from close in. College continued to press and a great through ball from midfield was slotted home with a great strike from Lynsey Trainor. College held their lead until half time and could have added to it but for some ferocious tackling at the back from Clodagh Grealy who earned a yellow forone sliding effort.
Greenfields fought hard for an equaliser early in the second half but good defence from Aoife Smith and Freddie Timmins kept them out. The pressure finally told after 19 minutes when Neasa McGettigan fired home a great shot off a short corner to take the sides level. Despite good work from Trainor and Tara Melvin, College couldn’t regain the initiative and inevitably Greenfields took the lead for the first time, when a College clearance was picked up by the hard working Alice Meagher who skilfully slotted home from 10 metres. A couple of great saves from Sinead Collins in the Greenfields goal helped them maintain their narrow lead and their experience came through after 25 minutes when another great strike was netted by McGettigan off another short corner.
College fought hard to get back in the closing minutes but Greenfields held out for a deserved 4 – 2 win and look to be tightening their grip on the League Trophy. Unbeaten in the League since November 2011 they certainly showed why they are Galway Club of the Year, but both teams should be congratulated for a highly skilful and entertaining game played in atrocious conditions.
