Under 16s start Championship with a win

Waterford 1-10 Kilkenny 2-14

By: David Kent

Kilkenny under 16s opened their 2016 Camogie Championship campaign with a win against Waterford at Carraiganore on Friday. On an evening where that irksome duo of wind and rain threatened to dominate proceedings but never quite did, similarly the Kilkenny girls never quite managed to shake off a tenacious Waterford side on a pitch that bore all the hallmarks of recent heavy use. The initial exchanges were encouraging but it was the Waterford girls who took the lead with a well worked point. However, that score proved the catalyst for a sustained period of Kilkenny dominance that culminated in a return of 1-7 to 0-5 by half time. Tormentor in chief was Eimear Farrell, Thomastown, at full forward who constantly showed for the ball with intelligent runs that either culminated in scores or resulted in frees. She goaled midway through the first half after clever play by the inside forwards following a rapid delivery from out the field. Yet Waterford duly persevered with clever play of their own. The intelligent movement of their forwards, which was a constant source of irritation to the Kilkenny backs all night, resulted in a well worked goal by Keisha Tobin and brought them back to within 3 points with less than 10 minutes to go. However, the Kilkenny response was swift and included a well taken goal by Glenmore girl Clara Hendrick who finished the night with a flawless 1-4 from play. Meanwhile a defiant Maria Brennan, Freshford, at full back marshalled those around her while Rachel Kelly, James Stephens, was assured in goal throughout. In the middle third Lisa Donnelly, Thomastown, delivered her usual high tempo performance assisted by Caoimhe Dowling, Dicksboro who also contributed 3 points from long range frees. Overall manager Damien Donoghue will be happy with the win while the girls themselves will be keen to build on this victory against Limerick next weekend.

The Kilkenny Under 16 Team who defeated Waterford 2-14 to 1-10 on Friday last.