Juniors fight back to earn a strong victory

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The Junior 5 team recovered from a demoralising defeat at the hands of Parnell’s Sunday last to respond with a strong performance against St. Peregrines of Blanchardstown. The variables were not in Crokes favour heading into this match, which they narrowly lost in a crucial league game last year, coming off the back of a heavy defeat and having to travel midweek to west Dublin having first to battle the traffic. To make matters worse due to injuries, holidays and family commitments, numbers were tight with only 14 players eventually turning up to tackle the opposition. Sportingly Peregrines agreed to play with 14 players, themselves struggling for numbers despite the home fixture.

 

            Crokes started as is normal these days conceding a goal in the early minutes. However this time it was a unlucky break, as a free from long range rebounded off the post to land at the feet of the full forward who could not miss from two yards out. Peregrines soon added another well taken point and it was quickly turning into a worrying affair for the Crokes side. However with the poor weather conditions making the sliotar stick in the long wet grass Crokes showed their battling qualities and fought their way back into the game, with three goods points scored into a driving wind. The first was a close range free tapped over by Ian O’Keeffe. The next two were worked well with the half forward line and midfield combining to work fines scores from Shane O’Keeffe and Padraig Doheny. Peregrines responded with another point to leave the score at half time 1 -2 to 0 – 3.

 

            Strong words were spoken at half time and there was an observable air of confidence from the Crokes players as they headed into the second half still in the game with the wind now at their backs. This confidence grew as Crokes exerted their dominance over a quickly tiring Peregrines side. Midfield and defence took over and won ever ball they went for and the supply to the forward line increased dramatically. The forwards did not disappoint either with more two points from play from Ian O’Keeffe and a superb goal from player manager Barry Gavigan. However Peregrines did not give up and fought back with two points of their own. With ten minutes to go the game hung in the balance until Crokes knocked over two more handy points through Ian and Shane O’Keeffe with the latter’s a fine long range over giving Crokes the four point cushion they needed heading into the last few minutes. Peregrines pressured the Crokes goal in the last few minutes but the Crokes defences were spectacular with the full back line blocking every opportunity the opposition had. Peregrines had to settle for a pointed free from close range as the referee blew for full time leaving the final score at 1 – 8 to 1 – 5 in Crokes favour.

 

            Notable mentions on the day were Sean McDermott at full back, John Egan and Hugh Liston in the half backs, outstanding performances from both midfielders Simon Rouse and Padraig Doheny and a strong collective effort for the forward five!

 

The team in full on the night was:

  1. Declan Morris
  2. Ronan Egan
  3. Sean McDermott
  4. Mark Donnelly
  5. John Egan
  6. Hugh Liston
  7. Niall McIntyre
  8. Simon Rouse
  9. Padraig Doheny
  10. Ian O’Keeffe
  11. Ger Kelly
  12. Shane O’Keeffe
  13. Tom Kenny
  14. Barry Gavigan

 

Scores came from Ian O’Keeffe (5 points, 1 free), Barry Gavigan (1 goal), Shane O’Keeffe (2 points) and Padraig Doheny (1 point)

Hurling.