Inters begin 2010 with Victory

Crokes began their 2010 Intermediate campaign with a comfortable victory over St Olafs in the Corn Ui Laochra at Silverpark. Playing against the breeze in the first half Crokes opened well and some good combination play involving Donal McGovern and Jack Doughan lead to an Alan Tiernan free giving Crokes the lead inside 5 minutes. A Further free from midfielder Barry Mulligan was followed by a first score from play through Alan Carr who looked dangerous early on. Crokes first half dominance, driven on by the excellent midfield pairing of Shane O’Rorke and Barry Mulligan, was not always telling on the scoreboard and points from Hanamy, O’Rorke, Tiernan and two Barry Mulligan frees were little reward for the remainder of the half. With Olafs scoring three frees in reply the half time scoreline of 0-8 to 0-3 in favour of the homeside

The second half began with Crokes again to the fore. The central defensive spine of Dave Canny and Ray Mangan were completely dominant and this set the platform for a constant supply of ball to the forward line. Following his introduction Naomhan Reardon caused serious problems for the Olafs defense and his fine point in the fortieth minute, along with two Mulligan frees, effectively ended the game as a contest at this stage. Some fine combination play by Mulligan and McGovern then set up Shane O’Rorke for what was the score of the game. As Crokes pilled on the pressure the goal that was threatening from early on finally came and it was Reardon who collected after a fine run. Further Frees from Mulligan in addition to an opportunistic goal from Hanamy kept the scoreboard ticking over before Barra O’Leidhin sealed the win with a fine point towards the end. Crokes were completely dominant in the second half and held Olaf’s scoreless during this period. Final score 2-16 to 0-3.

Overall a good win for Kilmacud to start the year. While their opponents, short a number of their best players, were unusually sluggish Crokes did all that was asked of them. The display featured some very good support play and couldn’t be faulted for effort. The defense was dominant throughout with corner back Shane McNioclas putting in a fine performance. Some poor shooting and below par stickwork however will need to be worked on and improved as bigger challenges lie ahead. The first league game awaits in two weeks time and it is important that we get a good start to build on the success of 2009.

Team: R Tighe, S McNioclas, D Canny, P Collins, E de Paor, R Mangan, F Monnelly, S O’Rorke (0-2), B Mulligan (0-8f), B O’Leidhin (0-1), A Tiernan (0-2, 0-1f), D McGovern, A Carr(0-1), B Hanamy(1-1), J Doughan.

N Reardon (1-1) for Carr half time, D Byrne for Monelly Half time, K Doherty for de Paor 37 min.