Enniskillen Ladies slipped to a heavy opening day defeat when they lost by 6-0 to a Mossley side who showed just why they earned promotion from Senior Four last season.

Skins travelled with the bare eleven players and were fielding a number of debutants tasting senior hockey for the first time.

Indeed, the game was notable as Skins fielded a mother and daughter combination in the 1st XI for the first time when Glenda and Chloe Eagleson took to the field of play.

Skins will be homing that this blend of youth and experience will come to the fore in the games to come.

As it was, Saturday was a otugh lesson as they conceded three goals in each half against a confident Mossley side. The water based surface was new to the Enniskillen girls and they had to get used to the slow moving ball.

Within 10 minutes this challenge proved costly in the circle as the defence struggled to clear and Mossley pounced to scrappily place the ball past Eagleson. Being under constant pressure in defence meant the half’s of McClean, Hutchinson and Cathcart had to work back in support.

The second goal came from a high reverse stick shot which couldn’t be stopped.

It was shortly after this goal that Enniskillen found themselves back to 10 players after McToal went off with an injury. Mossley took advantage and pushed players up. Dane and Walmsley worked tirelessly to clear their flanks. With play starting to get scrappy and Mossley making endless dubious stick tackles a very frustrated Enniskillen conceded a third just before break.

Enniskillen came back out after half time with a ‘let’s just enjoy’ attitude.

They talked and worked together to set up some nice pieces of play. Kathyrn Dane created space on the left and linking with Thompson and McToal they made ground towards the circle.

Enniskillen had a corner but failed to take advantage.

Mossley scored a forth and then a contested fifth. It was a clear feet in the circle but the Enniskillen dispute was put aside and the goal awarded.

Walmsley was under continuous pressure on the right but was playing superbly as she kept her head “almost” and continued relentlessly with the strong tackles and sure passes to McClean and C Eagleson on the right.

Mossley were awarded 12 penalty corners and with Stevenson on first runner, Enniskillen were always sure she had them covered be it with her stick, leg, knee, toe or thumb.

Hutchinson and Cathcart’s individual skill provided a way forward for Enniskillen but they just couldn’t find that final touch. The final goal came from a fast attack and with pushing players up Enniskillen were simply out numbered and Mossley use their set plays to slot home number six.

The team would like to congratulate Megan Thompson and Chloe Eagleson on making their club debuts, showing youthful promise in their transition to ladies hockey.

Player of the match was undoubtedly Wendy Walmsley.

Next week Enniskillen are at home at the Bawnacre to Limavady at 2.30pm.