A bit of a delayed new post from this weekends action but it’s been a busy one across the entire club this weekend.
The Ladies 2s v YMCA 2 semi final of div 3 / 4 cup.
Naas started the stronger team and had more of the attacking play in the first quarter which resulted in naas being awarded a short corner which was converted by Mila G. 2nd quarter and YMCA came out the stronger team and naas had to soak up alot of pressure..YMCA dominated the middle of the pitch but failed to penetrate the naas circle.
3rd quarter teams were evenly matched but teams had chances from play but the score remained 1 nil in naas favour.
4th quarter again YMCA applied pressure to the naas defence which naas waa to happy to absorbe. In last 2 mins a short corner was awarded to YMCA which they converted bringing the game to 1 all and shuttles. Both keepers did very well keeping clean sheet and after 3 shuttles it was still nil all until robyn mc keena stepped up and scored for naas..special mention goes to Sophie morrissey who kept a clean for the shuttle and put naas through to the cup final in April, final score naas 2 YMCA 1.
The U14 boys travelled to Monkstown this weekend knowing that a win or draw would secure 2nd place in the league. Naas were slow to start and quickly found themselves 3-0 down after ten minutes. Mid way through the first half Naas finally found their feet and began to play their way into the game. This continued into the second half when a fine pass from Nic Hunter found Harry Greene who sprinted onto the pass and hammered the ball past the advancing keeper, Naas continued to apply pressure and narrowly missed scoring a second which would have piled the pressure on the home team. Unfortunately Monkstown broke away and scored a scrappy goal to end any chance of Naas saving this game. But for some fine saves from Michael Byrne this game could have been out if reach alot sooner. Naas can be very encouraged by their performances in the league this season against some very strong opposition. They must wait and see who they have in the shield competition having finished 3rd in one side of the league.
The 1st year girls 1s team vs Newbridge was incredibly tight game with both sides creating plenty of chances in a really intense contest. The game goes to the two outstanding goalkeepers Hannah (Naas) & Aobha (Newbridge) great to see the two girls congratulate each other at the end of the game - well done girls. Newbridge however sneaked the win in the last minute with a slight touch to make it 1-0. Well done to both teams, a great display of hockey!
The 1st yr girls 2s team vs North Kildare had a tougher day out against a strong side. They hung in there and created opportunities however it wasn't to be unfortunately finishing 4-0. Again well done girls.
The Minor girls 2s drew with Our Lady’s 1 all. A fantastic game with only a goal conceded. Our Lady’s clawed back in second half to end level. Eabha Sheehan in goal saved so many sure shots by Our Ladies . Fantastic goalie performance. Strike a pose Eabha, you earned it!
And finally a big shout out to the 5th class group (pictures) who took on Mullingar in a blitz on Sunday at St Mary's. And a Big Big shout out and thank you to the girls from the U16s group who recently did a Young Umpires Course in Naas and did all the umpiring for today's blitz. They were Ellen Parker, Ailbhe Casey, Mary Moran, Meabh Choiseul, Meg O'Shaughnessy and Charlotte Maher. Also a big Thank You to Molly O'connor, Sarah Harrington and Aislinn Crotty also all U16 players who umpired for the 6th class and 1st Year matches in Naas this morning.
Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for more pics from the weekend. Well done to all teams, a great weekend of hockey.
