U14B’s Record League win of some Character

On a very busy day for the Silverpark pitches, with the Camogie sevens seeing non stop all day action on both pitches to 3:30pm, the U14B’s took on Erins Isle for the 3rd time this year with the outcome finally balanced at one win each. The outcome was a 2-9 to 2-4 win for Crokes but the scoreline does not tell the full story of what was a tremendous battle. The game begun at 14 a side with the visitors travelling short a man. Crokes led at half time 0-7 to 0-2 having enjoyed long periods of possesion but not coverting as much to the scoreboard as perhaps warranted. Niall Sweeny opened the scoring with a fine point from play following a good move and a second from Paul Comerford followed before the visitors replied with a single. Paul & the Erins Isle no. 9 traded frees to leave it 0-3 to 0-2. The home team playing with a strong wind added the next four without reply, two frees and one from play from Paul plus a Niall Sweeny minor closed out the first half scoring. Cillian Fleming made a number of excellent clearances through heavy goalmouth traffic in the 1st half before having to leave at half time. Andrew Ahern led the way with superb work rate and no little skill. Stephen O’Hurley shone in the 1st half, Richard Couse made some wonderful blocks, Matt Redmond gave it everything at centre back and a roving Kevin Culligan showed well for the ball. Colin Smyth won some good ball without getting the end result that might have come on another day.

The 2nd half saw Ruairi Geraghty move between the posts where he performed with aplomb and bravery. Andrew Ahern moved to full back with John Egan moving out to the wing and Syed returning to his customary midfield position in partnership with Richard Couse. Early in the second period following a shamozzle Crokes were down a man and in playing into the wind found themselves in a real battle. The team relished the challenge and with some gentle sideline encouragement from Naomhan O’Reardon and Mick Culligan the boys grew in stature. The home side added two points a free from Paul and one from Hubert Barry which was just over the bar. The vistiors clawed their way back into the game encouraged by a goal and two further points. In a breakaway upfield Paul Comerford’s saved shot following a good run was netted by substitute Dan Bohan. Erins Isle returned to the attack and when awarded a free just outside the area quick thinking and a lightening quick free resulted in a 2nd goal and the margin was now down to two with still 8 mins remaining. Crokes fell deep and defended heroically with two more close in frees being repelled. The home side broke up field again and following a goal mouth scramble Syed Rizvi helped the sliothar over the line to relieve the pressure. The final whistle was never more welcome with just rewards for a 2nd half display of character that will remain in the memory for this team. The returning Cian Montague & John Egan played their parts very well in the rearguard action as did 2nd hald sub Colm Culleton. All players get a mention in what was a true TEAM effort. The starting line up had seven changes from the team that overcome Erins Isle in the Feile in May. Well done boys.

Panel: Cillian Fleming, Cian Montague, Ruairi Geraghty, John Egan, Stephen O’Hurley, Matt Redmond, Syed Rizvi, Andrew Ahern, Richard Couse, Hubert Barry, Niall Sweeny, Kevin Culligan, Colin Smyth, Paul Comerford, Daniel Bohan and Colm Culleton.