DESPITE MAKING the long five-hour bus journey to Enniscorthy on Saturday morning, Ballymena hit the ground running in this thrilling Irish Hockey Trophy tie.

Directly from the push-back, Ballymena worked their way into the circle and an aimless shot was deflected on target by a Wexford stick, giving Hilary Griffin no chance in the goal. And so, Wexford were left stunned, a goal down after just 30 seconds on the clock.

However, this fortuitous goal seemed to spur on the Wexford side, and the entire squad of 16 played their part in a determined effort to recover from the worst possible start.

The teamwork and support play from the Wexford girls was evident in every area of the pitch. Ballymena were strongest in the midfield area, but even when they managed to beat one Wexford player, there was always another green Wexford shirt stepping in.

Wexford's well-deserved equaliser came five minutes before half-time, much to the joy and relief of all the players and supporters. Great build-up play between the two Miriams (Sherlock and Lambert) set up Jean Devoy, who picked her spot as she struck the ball past the northern 'keeper.

The stage was set for an enthralling secondhalf. As both teams pushed hard to gain the advantage, every player on the pitch was giving 100% to win their own individual battle, and to help their side. The committed hockey played was tough but fair, and the fast tempo of the game never faded.

Midway through the second-half, Wexford slowly gained the advantage over a somewhat tiring Ballymena side, and great link-up play between midfield and forwards led to the second goal. A characteristic darting run by Jean Devoy, with an assist by Amy Rossiter, was finished off by Miriam Sherlock to give Wexford a 2-1 advantage.

Wexford capitalised on this purple patch, and just a minute later Ruth Kennedy's pass set up Miriam Lambert for a one-on-one with the 'keeper. Miriam executed the finish as calmly as if it were a training drill, as she rounded the 'keeper and added to her earlier 'assist' with a goal of her own, to give her side a 3-1 advantage.

Ballymena, determined to gain some reward after their long journey, had a very strong final quarter. They forced the best out of the Wexford defence, and Hilary Griffin in the goal pulled off a top-class save in the closing stages of the game, keeping Wexford's two-goal cushion safe.

Wexford finished the game having used the entire squad of 16 players, and the strength in depth of the squad will be a huge plus as they head into the next round of the competition, scheduled for December 5.

The efficient Irish Hockey Association had the next round posted on their website on Sunday evening, and Wexford have the advantage of another home draw, as they face Diocesan from Dublin in the next round.

Incidentally, despite all the rain in recent days, the game was played in near-perfect conditions. The pitch surface at Enniscorthy Astro Centre was 100%, with a strong wind the only factor. Not a drop of rain fell during the game!

Squad: Hilary Griffin, Natasha Quigley, Zoe Codd, Deirdre Bolger, Ciara O'Leary, Avril Jones, Sinéad Dempsey, Ruth Kennedy (capt.), Miriam Sherlock (1), Steffi Bowe, Miriam Lambert (1), Jean Devoy (1), Amy Rossiter, Elaine Kinsella, Sinéad Goggin, Anna Mealy.

Wexford I resume South East league action on Sunday next with an away tie against Carlow, while Wexford II have an away fixture against Kilkenny I.

Unfortunately, rain forced the cancellation of the Junior hockey sessions for the second week in a row. Hopefully we will return to full action next week - 8-12 age group in Wallace's from 1011 a.m.

Wexford will host an Under-14 blitz in Enniscorthy this Saturday (November 28) from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Clubs taking part include Enniscorthy, Gorey, Carlow, Kilkenny, Abbeyleix and Waterford.

All Wexford players should confirm their availability as soon as possible by text to Sinéad on 087-2357584.