Dublin, September 1: The U16 and U18 Boys Interpro Series began today in Corinthian Hockey club with the home side, Leinster, coming away with first round wins over Munster. The U16 age category were up first, with Leinster surging to a confident 6-2 victory. The U18 Boys followed immediately after. Leinster U18 emulated the day’s earlier performance, eventually managing to break a resolute Munster side to emerge 2-0 victors.
Leinster U16 [6 – 2] Munster U16
In the opening game of the 2024 Boys Interpro Series, Leinster U16 faced Munster U16. With no goals in the first quarter the game looked like it might be a tight affair from start to finish. However, Leinster eventually got on the scoresheet in the 23rd minute thanks to a C. Trotter finish in open plan. Leinster Doubled their lead before half-time as Trotter grabbed his second of the game.
Leinster started the second half quickly, keen to build on their moment from the opening 35’. After only a few phases of play they won a penalty corner, which was converted by M. Stead.
However, Munster refused to lie down, winning a penalty corner of their own immediately after the restart, which was converted by their Captain, W. Black.
The game opened up in Q4 with both sides creating opportunities in front of goal. Leinster proved to be the more clinic of the two sides, extending their lead from a penalty corner in the 54th minute through Captain C. Fox, and then from opening play in the 56th minute through C. Trotter.
Munster pulled a goal back with 5 minutes to play thanks to A. Nugent. However, Leinster dealt the final blow of the game, scoring in the 68th minute from a Penalty Corner which was converted by C. Trotter, his fourth goal of the game.
Leinster U18 [2 – 0] Munster U18
Having watched their younger compatriots surge to victory earlier in the day, Leinster U18 likely entered the game against Munster U18 the more confident side.
The teams were exceptionally evenly matched throughout the first half, cancelling each other out and leaving the scoreline locked at 0-0 going into the break.
Leinster proved to be the quicker side out of the blocks in the third quarter, opening their account thanks to an open play goal from S. Rothwell.
The scoreline remained 1-0 going into the closing minutes of the final quarter. Leinster were handed an opportunity to extend their lead from the spot, an opportunity that A. Le Quesne made no mistake taking full advantage of. Munster continued to test the Leinster resolve as they attempted to reignite their chances of a late comeback, but the Leinster defensive unite held firm to close the game out 2-0.
Next weekend, on September 8th, the Girls U16 and U18 Interpro series will begin as Leinster U18 and U18 host Connacht in Three Rock Rovers, while Munster U16 and U18 welcome Leinster South to the Mardyke.
