Avoca U14 Lions verses Pembroke Hockey Club – 5th February 2012
Avoca 1 Pembroke 1
Three points were a priority for both these teams as they head into the final games of the season. Avoca started the strongest with Amber Barnwell and Anna Flynn linking up well to cause the visiting defence problems. Orlaith Damery and Alana Horgan came close to breaking the deadlock before Pembroke struck with a goal mid way through the 1st half. Avoca continued to press right up to half time but were unable to make the breakthrough despite numerous short corners. The 2nd half started as the 1st finished with Avoca driving hard through Ellen Curran and Rachel Boyce. Credit due to Pembroke, it’s well marshalled defence continued to keep Avoca at bay. Finally the deserved equaliser came with 10 minutes to go when Rachel Boyce drove home a fearsome drive from a short corner which gave the Pembroke goalie no chance. At 1-1, Avoca continued to push for all three points but Pembroke held strong, the game finally finished at 1-1. Full credit to both teams for serving up a magnificent exhibition of underage hockey. Congratulations to Ann Flynn who was Mark Cullen’s choice of “Man of the Match”. Once again, thank you to all the parents and club representatives who gave their support.
Avoca U14 Tigers versus Pembroke 5th February
Avoca 3 Pembroke 1
The Tigers rediscovered their goal scoring touch after falling behind to a strong Pembroke side. Esme Galloway did well on a number of occaisions when Pembroke got behind a Avoca defence in which Lauren Kilroy and Elizabeth McKeon had fine games. In the second half the Avoca midfield took control with Sarah Gardiner featuring strongly and the Avoca forward line broke through at will forcing a lot of short corners and scores came from Gina Nelson, Molly Waterson from a short corner well hit by Alison Faughnan and a third from Man of the match (chosen by Ladies Captain Ruth McDonagh) Lara Fennelly.
Avoca U14 Lions versus Suttonians 22nd January
Suttonians 0 Avoca 7
The Lions travelled to Sutton for their first match of the New Year and their third on the road in this campaign for what was a must win game. Avoca took a few minutes to find their rhythm which can only be related to the early morning start. The hosts made all the early play before they were set back when centre forward Orlaith Damery latched onto a through ball to place a well taken shot past the home keeper after 6 minutes. Remarkably she repeated the move a minute later to make it 0-2 before securing her hat trick with only ten minutes on the clock. This was Orlaith’s second hat trick in consecutive games. With three goals to the good, Avoca pressed home their dominance with some lovely passing moves before half time. The second half started as the first ended with Avoca quickly getting back into their high tempo passing game. They extended their lead when Captain Rachel Boyce netted the fourth after Ellen Curran found her in the circle with a well placed pass. A fifth shortly followed when Alana Horgan scored before Rachel Boyce added her second of the morning with a well struck short corner. Such was Avoca’s dominance, it allowed the Coaches to give game time to “Tigers” Catherine O’Connor and Leila Johnson. Leila finished off the rout with a tap in at the back post on the stoke of full time. With all three points secure, the journey back to Blackrock was all the more pleasurable. Congratulations to Orlaith Damery on her well deserved “Man of the Match” award, six goals in two games is very impressive return. Next Match is a crucial game at home against Pembroke on the 5th February.
Avoca U14 Cheetahs versus Suttonians 22nd January
Suttonians 3 Avoca 2
The game was an exciting and even contest from the start, the Cheetahs settled well with good passing and communication amongst the players . Hannah Drumm & Sophie O’Neil were breaking out of defense well and the Suttonion girls were busy keeping the Cheetahs at bay. Suttonions went ahead with a good break out of a tight midfield where Zara Kramer, Lucy Moriarty, Elizabeth McKeown were all playing hard. Suttonions got a second goal from a well worked short corner, 2-nil to Suttonions at halftime.
The Cheetahs got back to level terms with two excellent goals in the second half from Aoife Cantwell and Laura Ward, Cheetahs Captain for the day. We continued to press hard for the winner and Erica Dowling & Astrid Tidey both tried their hardest but the last play of the game saw Suttonions score from a short corner with a well hit shot past Cheetahs keeper Ellen McCarthy. Great effort Cheetahs, better luck next time.
Avoca U14 Tigers versus Dalkey January 22nd
Dalkey 0 Avoca 0
The Tigers had their first clean sheet of the season in a game where defences were on top. Although Avoca keep the Dalkey keeper very busy they were unable to convert a number of chances.
In defence Hannah O'Neill, Lauren Murray, Leila Johnson and the excellent Lauren Kilroy were all prominent and allowed no shot on target for new keeper Esme Galloway to test her skills. The Tigers also welcomed Amy Graham from Panthers and Erica Dowling from the Cheetahs to the match squad and both acquited themselves well.
Prior to the game the players elected Catherine O'Connor as vice Captain and Lauren Kilroy as Vice Captain for the rest of the season
Avoca U14 Panthers versus Genesis 22nd January
Avoca 2 Genesis 2
The Panthers came from 2 down to earn a well deserved draw against Genesis today.
Genesis took the lead early on following a mistake in defence. However, Panthers worked hard to get back into the game but couldn’t find the net. Genesis extended their lead just after the restart, but Avoca stuck with it & were rewarded with 2 great goals.
Rachel Bauress received a great pass wide on the right from Rachel Kelly. Her pass found Rachel Carr who scored from the edge of the D. The second goal came a few minutes later & was a fantastic solo effort by Ellen Owens. She picked up the ball just inside the Genesis half & headed for goal. She ran through unopposed & took her shot early from just inside the D to score a superb goal.
The defence remained strong for the rest of the game, a series of short corners were well defended & while the Panthers pressured right to the end, they were unable to score a winner.
Best team performance of the season to date with stand-out performances on the day from Rachel Kelly, Ellen Owens, Rachel Carr & Faye Oliver who was fantastic in goals.
Avoca U14 Lions versus Muckross 4th Decemeber
Muckross 0 Avoca 4
In a match played in freezing conditions, Avoca heated up the afternoon with another spirited performance on the road to take all 3 points from this fixture. In a game which was very evenly balanced during the opening ten minutes, it sparked into life when Avoca’s high tempo finally led to a short corner which was duly dispatched by Orlaith Damery. Both sides continued to exchange mid field territory before Avoca won a second short which Meriel Barnwell drove to the back boards. At 0-2, Avoca needed to be at their best to resist a strong home team. Orlaith Damery playing at centre forward for the first time continued to be a thorn in the home team’s defence before grabbing her second goal just before the half time whistle. At 0-3, Avoca were full value for their half time lead with Rachel Boyce, Ellen Curran, Ciara Feely and the ever dependable Aoife Cullen at left back posting strong performances. Muckross started the 2nd half much the stronger team as they fought hard to get back into the game, but full credit to Avoca for some heroic defending within the 25 to hold the home team attack at bay. With the ever present threat of Avoca wings Alana Horgan and Anna Flynn, they were quick to capitalise on any Muckross mistakes. This pressure paid off when Avoca’s front three combined to win another short corner which was once again converted by Orlaith as she followed up a rebound off the keeper’s pads. Congratulations to Ciara Feely for one of her best performances of the campaign so far, she was awarded the “Man of the Match”. Next Match is away to Suttonians in early January,
Avoca U14 Cheetahs versus Muckross 4th Decemeber
Muckross 2 Avoca 0
Avoca Cheetahs were unfortunate to lose 2 – nil to a good Muckross team. The Cheetahs started well and were pressing across the pitch from early on with wingers Erica Dowling & Astrid Tidey showing lots of energy but couldn’t get ahead. Muckross went one up to a powerful shot from a short corner routine that gave Cheetahs keeper for the day, Aoife Cantwell, no chance. There was a second before half time which the defense could have done a little better.
The Cheetahs pressed hard from all over the pitch in the second and had most of the possession & territory, Laoise O’Brien & Zara Kramer, centre mids began to dominate and the backs covered a lot of area coming upfield to support, Jodie Gardiner’s a great sweeper and Hannah Drumm always shows strongely. There was a bit of time pressure and the second half was slightly shorter, this was a pity as Cheetahs were bound to score, Sarah McCusker & Lucy Moriarty both came close a few times.
Afric from the ladies 1st team was giving great encouragement to the girls and selected Freya O’Byrne, in defense today as ‘man of the match
Avoca U14 Tigers versus Muckross 4th Decemeber
Muckross 2 Avoca 0
Another frustrating game as Tigers played very well but were unable to convert their chances against a well organised Muckross team who took theirs. The defence of Lauren Kilroy, Catherine O'Connor, Ciara Grogan and Hannah O'Neill played well as a unit in front of keeeper for the day Lauren Murray. Wingers Lara Fenelly and Molly Waterson created a lot of opportunities while Sarah Gardiner featured in a battling performance by the midfield. The Tigers were delighted that Ladies 1st team captain , Ruth Norris and fellow player and Club Secretary Aifric O'Malley came to watch and offer advice. Man of the match was Lauren Kilroy.
Avoca U14 Tigers versus Genesis 27th November
Genesis 2 Avoca Tigers 0
A frustrating game as Tigers enjoyed most of the possesion, especially in the second half and seven short corners but failed to find the backboard against a very defensively strong Genesis side at the National Hockey stadium. Afric Whelan from Lions kept goal and we welcomed Juliette McBain from the Cheetahs to the forwards. Ciara Grogan showed she has makings of a fine defender in a game where Tigers played well and passed well. Molly Watterson and Jean McCarthy also were prominent.
Avoca U14 Panthers versus Monkstown 27th November
Poor performance overall by the Panthers resulted in a disappointing 0 – 5 defeat to Monkstown.
Avoca’s midfield were unable to contain their opponents and as a result the Panthers never posed a threat going forward, despite the best efforts of Caoimhe Duffy & Ellen Owens. Amy Graham, Rachel Kelly, Isobel Donohoe, Faye Oliver & Julia Healy (GK) put up a brave defensive performance but ultimately were unable to contain a very strong Monkstown attack.
Avoca U14 Cheetahs versus Stillorgan 13th November
Stillorgan 0 Avoca Cheetahs 6
The Cheetahs put in a superb all round display to beat Stillorgan HC 6 - 0 in St Raphaels, with 4 goals coming from ‘Super Striker’, Juliette McBain and 1 each from Laoirse O’Brien & Erica Dowling. There was good passing and excellent support running right from the start that allowed the midfield and wingers find space and had Stillorgan under pressure to get out of their own half. Stillorgan tried valiantly the whole game but there was an intensity about the Cheetahs defense (comprised of Zara Kramer, Hannah Drumm, Katie Parker, Astrid Tidey & Sophie Phelan (GK)) and Stillorgan were given no time on the ball and found it difficult to generate any scoring opportunities.
The Cheetah wingers, Erica Dowling & Laura Ward, ran very strongly and provided a lot of opportunities for the excellent forward line of Juliette, Jodie Gardiner (Captain for the day) & Sarah Jane McCusker. Excellent short corner routines and lots of inventive play, there could have been more goals save for the excellent Stillorgan goalie.
An enjoyable match from start to finish, lovely pitch & weather, Cheetahs should gain a lot of momentum and confidence with this performance and, in particular, the result, well done.
Avoca U14 Tigers versus Corinthians 13th November
Corinthians 6- Avoca Tigers 2
In a game of two halfs Tigers had better of play in the 1st but had only a Lauren Murray finish to show for dominating possession and conceded a breakaway goal. In the 2nd half Corinthians, strengthened by a number of players from the side that had earlier played the Lions took over and overpowered the Tigers defence to go 4-1 up. Lara Fennelly, who had an excellent match having come on at half time, scored a fine solo effort on the break and then Tigers hit the post. Game might have tightened up if Tigers had closed the gap to one goal but instead Corinthians scored to finish the game off. Tigers welcomed Rachel Hogan, Gina Nelson and Jean McCarthy to the squad. Sean Walsh from Mens 1st umpired and gave guidance alongside Ladies Captain Ruth McDonagh. Sean will be assisting the U14s for rest of season as a coach so the lessons of this particular match can be absorbed in training in advance of the next game.
Avoca U14 Panthers versus Corinthians 13th November
Corinthians 2- Avoca Panthers 0
Panthers played the first half of the game with just 10 players and were unlucky to go 0-2 down during this period. The defence were under pressure for the whole half but good play from Rachel Kelly, Amy Graham, Keelin Burns and Isobel Donohoe kept the score to 0-2. The teams were much more evenly matched in the 2nd half when Sarah Gardiner (Tigers) joined the Panthers and she was very strong in midfield. Good defensive display again in the second half, the team were much more of a threat in attack and were unlucky not to score in this half. Caoimhe Duffy & Ellen Owens played well throughout and a very good performance from first time keeper Isobel Donohoe
Avoca U14 Lions versus Corinthians 13th November
Corinthians 1 Avoca Lions 3
In a rematch of last season’s u14 League final, the “Lions” travelled to Whitechruch seeking the opportunity of reversing the play off defeat. The home team started brightly and caught the Avoca defence napping within the first 10 minutes to take a deserved lead. This was the catalyst Avoca required to kick start a comeback, the away side started to move the ball with pace before Orla Demery was set free on the right wing, she drilled a cross to the back post, to which Alana Horgan got a stick to deflect past the keeper. At 1-1 Avoca grew in confidence and continued to press for the lead and were unlucky not to be ahead before the break. The second half started as the first half finished with Rachel Boyce, Ellen Curran and Amber Barnwell skilfully controlling the middle of the park; however at 1-1, Avoca had to work hard throughout as the home side possessed the talent to exploit any lapse in concentration. Both sides exchanged a high level of skills before Avoca finally edged ahead. Rachel Boyce drove home a fine effort from a well worked short corner. Corinthians response was nothing less than what you would expect from this talented side but they were unable to find a way past a well marshalled Avoca defence. The game was put beyond the home teams reach with 10 minutes to play. Following a neat build up in midfield, Rachel Boyce found the back board once again with a fine strike which gave the keeper no chance. Avoca held on the take the points. Congratulations to Ellen Curran who was awarded the “Man of the Match” by ladies Captain Ruth McDonagh. The full panel of players have to be commended for their excellent team work and 110% work rate. Once again many thanks to all the mums and dads who cheered the “Lions” to victory, it was much appreciated. A special thanks to Stephen Brownlow for his enthusiasm throughout.
Avoca U16 Pumas versus Railway Union-9th October 2011
Avoca Puma's began their season with a well deserved 2-0 victory over Railway Union in Newpark. The Pumas were dominant in the first half with a scintillating display of hockey and a wonderful team effort. In the first half, following considerable pressure on the Railway goal, Lorena Halpin-Doyle scored from close range to open the Avoca account. This was followed, ten minutes later by a sweet strike from Katie Lowry, who gathered the ball in midfield and powered her way past a number of players to slot home for a 2-0 advantage.
Railway started the second half with great determination but despite the pressure exerted, the Avoca defence were excellent and weathered the early pressure. The Pumas once again took control of the game with some excellent work in both midfield and forward positions and the result was never in doubt from that point on. A word of thanks to defender Kate Grennan, who donned pads and helmet to man the goal owing to the absence of our regular keeper.
Well done girls on a great team effort and a wonderful start to the season.
Avoca U14 Lions verses Mount Anville - 9th October 2011
Mount Anville 2 Avoca 1
The Lions travelled to Mount Anville for their first league game of the season. The match which was played in windy conditions started with Avoca settling into their stride early on; strong performances in midfield from Rachel Boyce, Ellen Curran ensured wingers Orlaith Dermody and Anna Flynn had plenty of good service. Centre forward Alana Horgan had her hands full against a physically very strong home defence. Despite having plenty of chances, Avoca failed to capitalise. The home team’s pacey attack caught Avoca midway through the first half with a well taken goal which gave keeper Aifric Whelan no chance. Trailing 1-0 at half time, Avoca started the 2nd half with the wind at their backs and once again enjoyed plenty of possession. However the final pass in the circle was lacking and the equaliser didn’t come. Midway through the second half, the hosts took control of the game and piled on the pressure keeping Aoife Cullen, Meriel Barnwell, Ciara Feely and Jean McCarthy busy in defence. This pressure led to a well worked goal from the home teams pacey attack. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, Avoca dug deep and pulled a goal back through a strike from just inside the circle from Amber Barnwell. Avoca threw everything at Mount Anville for the remaining minutes but the home team hung on to take the points. The girls were delighted to have Ladies 1st team member Cara Kelehan on the line to lend her support, Amber was Cara’s choice as “Man of the Match”. Well down to one and all, some battered and bruised bodies but plenty of encouraging play. Thank you to all parents who came along the cheer the girls, its much appreciated.
Avoca U14 Tigers vs Three Rock Rovers 9th October 2011
Avoca 4 Three Rock 1
Tigers beat Three Rock 4-1 at Loreto Foxrock in league. Goals scored by Molly Watterson (2), Sarah Gardiner and Leila Johnson. 2 Goals came from Short corners injected by Molly, received and struck by Catherine O’Connor and deflected/rebound by Molly. Avoca were deadly on break with wingers prominent but also had to defend against a dangerous Three Rock team. Avoca midfield of Ciara Grogan, Catherine O’Connor and Sarah Gardiner were dominant.
Avoca U14 Cheetahs Vs Naas 9th October 2011
Naas 3, Avoca 1
The Cheetahs played excellently away to Naas, the match was very competitive and hard fought throughout. Naas are a good, well organized side with good passing & running skills and set the early pace. The Avoca back four of Laoise O'Brien, Lauren Ward, Aoife Cantrell & Sophie Phelan were very quick to respond and combined well. Naas, however, struck first with a goal from a short corner after 12 minutes after some very good goalkeeping from Faye Oliver. Avoca started to press forward and passed the ball very well through the midfield with strong partnerships developing, Gina Nelson, Hannah Drumm & Erica Dowling showed strongly. Avoca were caught on a counter attack and a further goal come from open play shortly before half time.
Heads were not down and there was a good discussion at half time, the Cheetahs decided there was plenty of space down the wings to attack. This game plan was put into action as soon as the second half started and Avoca were the first to score in the 2nd half with an excellent goal from Juliette McBain, team captain for the day. The goal came from great skill from Juliette, well supported by Lucy Moriarty, Cliona Dowd, Ellen Mc Carthy, Amy Graham & Emer Dooley, the goal having come from an excellent passing movement all the way from the back. Avoca pressed hard to get another to level the score but were again caught by a fast break with Naas getting the 3rd shortly before the end.
Well done Cheetahs
Avoca U14 Panthers –v- Our Ladies 9th October 2011
Avoca 4-Our Ladies 0
Panthers had a good win today in a friendly against Our Ladies with goals scored by Ellen Owens in the first half and Rachel Hogan & Rachel Carr (2) in the second half. Avoca dominated from the start, with strong midfield & forward play and defence was not seriously tested. Great performance for the team’s first game – well done girls.
Big thanks to Tigers Catherine O’Connor (GK), Astrid Tidey (1st half) & Elizabeth McKeown (2nd half) for helping us out today as we were 2 players short for the game.