U12s win Glenalbyn tournament
On the hottest day of the year so far, on a surface perfect for hurling, the U12s dispelled the gloom of the Féile final defeat by winning a high quality U12 tournament in Glenalbyn. 3 of the best teams in Leinster, James Stephens, O'Loughlin Gaels and Na Fianna, were our guests for a 4 team 15-a-side A and B tournament.
In the A tournament each team would play eachother once with the top two teams qualifying for the final. In the first game 'Crokes took on O'Loughlins and started smartly enough going into a 2 point lead. O'Loughlins got into their stride soon after and went in 5 points to 2 op at half time. 'Crokes did get the first score after the break but O'Loughlins got the all important goal and finished comprehensive 2-8 to 0-5 winners.
The second game was a must win game against local rivals Na Fianna. A good early goal by Callum Pearson, followed by a better one by Conor O'Dwyer left 'Crokes in a commanding position, leading 2-1 to 0-1 approcahing half time. A soft goal was conceded before the break leaving it all to play for. In a tight second half Callum Pearson added another goal to keep the gap managable. Points by Conor O'Dwyer and Alex Considine were cancelled by similar scores from Na Fianna beore a late Na Fianna goal left for a tense finish. 'Crokes held on to win 3-3 to 2-3.
James Stephens were next up after they had drawn with Na Fianna and beaten fellow countymen, O'Loughlins. The enthralled spectators were treated to the best first half display since Offaly dethroned Kilkenny in the 1994 Leinster final. The whole team, in unison, stepped forward to take on their opposite number and dominated physically and with superior skill throughout. In an incredible display of defensive craft and forward power 'Crokes scored 5-2 and kept their opponents scoreless in the opening 15 minutes. James Stephens, to their credit, fought bravely in the second half bus could not stem the purple and gold tide, running out 7-6 to 1-3 winners.
Na Fianna beat O'Loughlins to set up an all Dublin final with the host club. This was a tough physical encounter between 2 teams who know eachother well. The commitment and dedication from both teams were incredible from U12 players who had already played 90 minutes of hurling each. 'Crokes struck early with a goal from Callum Pearson and a point from Conor O'Dwyer. Na Fianna popped over a free to keep the one score in it. Thanks to great ball being fed in from out the field Callum hit a great spell, scoring 2-1 in 5 minutes to leave the score 3-2 to 0-1 at the break. Na Fianna threw everything at the 'Crokes lads in the first five minutes of the second half. Following a mix-up in the defence Na Fianna goaled to breath life into their challenge. Fergan Whitely steadied the ship with a point before Alex Considine (2) and Conor O'Dwyer added points to close out the match on a final score of 3-6 to 1-1.
All who took part on all sides were winners on this fantastic day of hurling.
Squad: Cillian Fleming, Stephen O'Dwyer, Darragh Butler, Tom Fox, Luke Gaffney, Cathal Keane, Brian Grogan, Joe Doyle, Fergal Whitely, Johnny Maher, Alex Considine, Conor O'Dwyer, Adam Tuck, Callum Pearson, Conor Kelly, Martin Connor, Eoin Sheehy, Stevie O'Dwyer, Fiachra Tucker.