Intermediates beat Faughs
The Intermediates completed their 2008 League campaign with a good victory in Silverpark against Faughs. Crokes elected to play against a strong breeze and opened brightly to dominate the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately this domination wasn't reflected on the scoreboard as a number of opportunities were spurned. Faughs opened the scoring with a long range free but Crokes replied quickly with a long range free from man of the match Eoin De Paor. Crokes continued to concede frees and were duly punished on the scoreboard. Nevertheless it was neck and neck with both sides trading points. Joe O'Reilly was turning back the clock with an impressive performance at full forward and scored a minor whilst also setting up captain Shane Canny. After 20 minutes, Crokes took a slender 1 point lead following 2 points from midfielder Peter Clinton. Faughs hit back and Crokes were fortunate that fullback Fergus Monnelly was in tremendous form. Ably assisted by his brother Donal and keeper Richie Tighe, Crokes managed to reach the half time blow without the concession of a goal and level at 0-7 points apiece.
Crokes had the assistance of the wind in the second half and it was centre forward Eoin De Paor who led the way. Following another of his deliveries, Joe O'Reilly scrambled home a goal which his performance deserved. De Paor then hit 5 consecutive points for Crokes and a good goal from Peter Clinton effectively sealed the game. 2 further points from Fergus Monnelly (one after a 50 yard run) plus another 2 minors from De Paor (2), Clinton and Canny completed the scoring for Crokes. Debutant Alan Carr had an impressive showing at half back and with midfielder Gary McMorrow delivered some excellent ball into the forward line. Shea Gillen dominated his patch throughout and was conspicuous for some top class fielding in difficult conditions. Crokes relaxed somewhat in the final 10 minutes and a resilient Faughs struck for 3 quick goals in succession. However it was too little to late and Crokes held on for a deserved victory. The win puts Crokes into joint second place and awaiting other results to determine final year standing.
Scorers: E De Paor 0-9 (2f, 1-65); P Clinton 1-3; J O'Reilly 1-1; F Monnelly 0-2, S Canny 0-2; S Gillen 0-1