Laois Hockey Club continues to make history on a weekly basis and will hop to do so again this weekend.
The first team began their Leinster League campaign with a hard-fought draw against Dublin side, Suttonians.
They were back in action against Dublin opposition last weekend when they hosted Railway Union, while the Laois Seconds took to the field for the very first time in a competitive game.
Laois Firsts 2 Railway Union 0
Leinster Hockey League – Division 6
Laois started the game fast with some good work up front and were unlucky not to score.
Railway Union defended well and made life difficult for the Laois forwards.
Late in the 2nd quarter, Karen Fingleton passed up the field, leading to a lovely finish by Meabh Rafter.
This was followed by a second goal moments later by Ruth Maxwell, but it was unfortunately disallowed.
The younger players continue to bed in well into the team, adding a tremendous blend of speed and enthusiasm to the skill and nous of the more established players.
Laois started the second half well, but were made to defend for long periods by Railway.
Ruth Maxwell’s disallowed goal was avenged late in the game, however, when she again found the backboard to give Laois a fully deserved 2-0 win.
They have their first away game this Saturday when they travel to Dublin to face UCD.
Laois Seconds 1 Muckross 0
Leinster Hockey League – Division 11
Laois Seconds team kicked off their season with a home win against Kerry side, Muckross in Loreto Kilkenny.
There were a number of debutants and some very special family moments, with the talented mother and daughter combination in Maeve and Faye Delaney taking the field.
The Lahart sisters, Lauren and Mikayla, were also playing their first senior match together.
Hannah McCrory, Ellen Harvey and Gloria Lewis all made flying starts as well.
It was also the first match with manager, Michael Rafter in charge, and Tara Lalor in her new role as vice-captain.
Laois Ladies started strongly with right back, Charlotte Nagle driving up the right side of the pitch and her pass into the circle culminated in Laois winning the first short corner of the game.
Muckross had no answers for Gloria Lewis’ strike on goal from the resulting short corner as Laois took the lead.
Laois dominated possession for most of the second half with some good passing and movement off the ball, but could not add to their lead.
The 1-0 win completed a momentous double-victory for Laois Hockey Club as the squads continue to go from strength to strength.
The seconds are at home again for their game, also on Saturday, September 30, when they host Malahide Fingal Seconds.
SEE ALSO – ‘We know how hard it is to get back into these finals’ says Crettyard captain, Cormac Murphy
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