MATCH REPORT EAST DOWN U12.5C CHAMPIONSHIP Aughlisnafin 8-20 St Johns 5-16 Aughlisnafin U12.5’s were at home to St John’s in the U12.5C Championship on Sunday morning. After last weeks turgid All Ireland final between Kerry and Donegal this game showed how gaelic football could be played. It may not be as important as the All Ireland but try telling that the 30 players involved from both teams. Both sides played to win rather than to avoid defeat and this meant an open free flowing game which had those watching marvelling at the effort these kids put in on a warm sunny day. The Fin were able to call on three eligible U14 players in Shea Croskery, Ruari King and Cathal Murphy and these three scored a combined 3-13 of the ‘Fin’s final tally. St John’s were the first to settle going three points up during the opening exchanges but goals in quick succession from Shea Croskery and Cathal Murphy gave the ‘Fin a lead they never relinquished. Rory Walsh and Owen O’Neill also hit the net in the first half with points from Shea Croskery (0-5), Conor Matthews (0-3) with Cathal Murphy and Conall King both sending over a point apiece. St John’s took some great scores themselves and were dangerous every time they broke forward. Half time Aughlisnafin 4-10 St John’s 2-8 In the second half the Fin hit four points in succession from S Croskery, Murphy, R King & C King to extend their lead to nine points. St John’s rallied and scored a couple of goals to drag themselves back into the game. The ‘Fin responded with Ruari and Conall King scoring 1-1 apiece. St John’s were not giving up without a fight and got a third goal and a brace of points to ask serious questions of the ‘Fin. With the game firmly in the melting pot the ‘Fin saw big scores coming from defenders Aaran Flanagan and Morgan Croskery with both storming upfield to fire to the net. Another assured display from Dylan McKibbin in nets kept the Johnnies at bay as they hunted goals. The Fin finished strongly with two points from the irrepressible Shea Croskery, a peach from Owen O’Neill and a second fisted point of the game for the tenacious half forward Cathal Murphy. The ‘Fin outscored their opponents 4-10 to 3-8 in a closely run second half with both teams running on empty by the time the full time whistle shrilled. Although the records will show a 13 point margin of victory in favour of the ‘Fin the Johnnies saw two efforts hit the post either side of half time. Such was the team effort it is impossible to single out any individual with many players punching well above their weight in a crackling cup tie. It was pleasing to note however that the ‘Fin had nine different scorers from the 15 man squad. Final score Aughlisnafin 8-20 St John’s 5-16. Aughlisnafin (13 aside) : D McKibbin, P O’Hare, A Flanagan (1-0), M Quinn, M Croskery (1-0), M Flanagan, C Matthews (0-3), S Croskery (1-8), C King (1-3), C Murphy (1-3), R King (1-2), O O’Neill (1-1), D Murphy Subs: R Walsh (1-0), E Lyttle Next up in the championship is Teconnaught away next Sunday morning. Training continues on Tuesdays 6 – 7 pm.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:58:05 +0000
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