U9's and U10s match reports for week end of 31 March 2012

Under 9's Match Report:-

KCH2 26 - Ballinteer St Johns 18
 
KCH2 had a tough encounter with Ballinteer St Johns on Saturday last. We had streamed teams for the first time this season at the request of BSJ.
 
Team 1 won a good encounter by 18 to 4. It was a great team performance where our players showed the benefits of some of the recent training drills by regularly being first out to the ball. Their ability to lift the sliothar quickly and cleanly gave them an advantage particularly for the 'air hurling' segments of the match.
 
Team 2 were narrowly beaten in a very close encounter. After struggling in the first half, they came right back into the match in the second half where they fought far more keenly for every ball and were unlucky in the end not to at least secure a draw.
 
Team 3 were a revelation in their match and although both teams had the same number of scores, Ballinteer came out on top by having one score over the bar. As this was the match that I saw most of it, it is worth mentioning some individual performances. Darragh Nelligan had some great puck outs in the first half while he had a great second half display out the field. Kevin Smith was active throughout and notched at least one score in the first half. Harry McGee and Hugo Martin battled for everything up front in the second half and were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions. Alex Brophy was kept very busy in goal in the second half and weathered the storm very well. Luke O Loughlin and Dara O Donovan battled well throughout the game and helped out in defence in the second half when we were under pressure. Patrick Keys and Eamon Burns harried, chased and tackled tthe opposition throughout the game and showed good skill on the ball as well.
 
All in all, the three matches were very enjoyable and sporting affairs and we are all looking forward to our next game in a few weeks time.

The other U9 panel played Cuala and had the following results from March 31st

Under 10's Match Report

Panel B Team 1 V Fingalians 31st March 2012 managed by Frank & Conor

Team 1 took on Fingalians in Deerpark which turned out to be the toughest match of the year so far.

It was not until the 10th minute of the first half that Cian Donnelly opened the scoring with a great score over the bar. Fingalians fought back but with Leo Fearon’s excellent blocking in defence they never managed to break the Crokes defence line. When they did Cian O Cathasaigh was there with some impressive catches and clearances to Michael Donnelly in mid field who consistently passed to his forward line resulting in a great score by Daragh Purcell.

Crokes were only two scores ahead at half time and knew they had to step up the play to achieve a win. Shane Ryall came out of goals to the forward line and showed his cleaver use of ground hurling on the hard surface to open space which allowed Colm Roche to put one over the bar to extend the lead.

However Fingalians struck back with a score over the bar. Mark Murphy had to work hard in defence to prevent further scores and his determination paid off as Fingalians failed to score again. Crokes goalie, Michael Nealon, made some crucial saves and his great alertness ensured each puck out reached a Crokes player.

Last word is left for our newest player, Sam Horken who played exceptionally well in defence and up front, a welcome addition to the team.

Match ended with a win for Crokes against tough opposition as a result of great positional and team play from all.


KC Panel B - Team 2 v Fingallians - Saturday 31st March - Managed by Tom

Team 2 had a comfortable win in a great game of hurling from both teams. Pado and Daire won alot of possession at midfield in the first half and the forwards Michael Cregg, Eoghan and Ciaran kept most of the play in the Fingallian half of the pitch. The backs cleared all but one ball, which was well blocked by Paraic who was goalkeeper at the time. They were just slightly ahead at half-time, thanks to some well-deserved skill points. At half-time, Tom told the boys that a score or two would win the game for them and they played the second half with much greater intensity. Sean and Paraic won the mid-field area and the forwards Seamus, Pado and Michael Egan piled the pressure on the Fingallian backs. Within minutes, they got a 45 which was pointed by Michael. This was followed by a succession of scores to give a comfortable win when the final whistle was blown. All of the boys played their best and got alot of touches of the ball. Their confidence grew as the match progressed. They really played with great intensity as a team and that was the difference between themselves and a very good fingallian team.

Team 3 Managed by Seán

Team 3 quickly stamped their authority on a fast paced match against Fingallians. Luke Gilleran dominated  the midfield area and sent plenty of ball to the full forwards Michael Marren, Daniel Kearney and Jack Sherry who picked off a number of early scores.  Both teams demonstrated good ground hurling skills throughout the match and Crokes finished the first half with a comfortable lead, thanks to some superb goalkeeping by Freddie Fitzpatrick and solid defending by Patrick ó Súilleabháin and Gordon Lenehan. Early in the second half Luc Gilleran scored the only point in the match.  A beautiful second half goal by Jack Tiernan and a late well struck goal by Liam  Smyth put the game beyond the reach of Fingallians. The match ended in a good victory for the Crokes. Well done to the lads from both teams for an entertaining and skillful game of hurling.

U10 match report for March 31st

The under 10s Panel A were away to Ballyboden. The ball flew along the astroturf providing 3 high tempo and high scoring games. Team three were unlucky to lose, despite scoring 6 goals (reminiscent of Dublin's recent encouter with Kilkenny), but the other two teams did more than enough for a comfortable overall victory. Team two put away 4-3 to their opposition's 2-2, and Team 1 managed 11 excellent points as well as 3 goals to Ballyboden's 1-2. The skill points stats were shared - 8 clean hooks each. Well done to all the players and many thanks to the team mentors and the many parents who cheered on the boys.