U16's overcome Castlecomer in Leinster League

The U16's were on the road again on Sunday 13 March 2011, to play their second Leinster League match against Castlecomer of kilkenny.

With the sun shining and good conditions for hurling and the wind favouring the home side, Erin's Own started well, scoring the first point from play. Mickey O Dwyer quickly equalised with a free. After that it was tit for tat as both scored a further 2 each from  Mark O'Loughlin and Dara O Gallchobhair for Crokes. In  a purple patch in the middle of the first half, the local team scored 2-02 in quick succession  but Crokes began to claw their way back into the match, with 3 overs by Dara O Gallchobhair and a goal by Mark O Loughlin. At the short whistle the score was 1-06 to 2-06 in favour of the home team.

There was a remarkable transformation in the second half as Crokes dominated throughout. Half backs Donncha Ó Murchú, Ciaran McIntyre and Cathal Keane-Breslin fought tenaciously for every ball and full backs Greg Buckley, Ódhrán Ó Siochrú and Sean Bedford cleared their lines with vigour. The midfield duo of Michael O Dwyer and Edward Campion supplied the forwards with some great possession. Half forwards Dara O Gallchobhair, Donal Keane and Dara Mullins were outstanding throughout the match, scoring 1-08 between them. Full forwards Dylan Paisley, Mark O'Loughlin and Paul Casey worked non stop, with Mark scoring 2-02 from play in the second half. Dylan Paisley scored a glorious point from the right wing at a critical point in the second half.

Substitutes Paul Comerford, and Niall Sweeney made a valuable contribution on the day.

This was a great display against strong opposition. Croke showed great heart and team spirit to come out on top, when heads might well have dropped following the setbacks of the first half.

Team: K Fleming, S Bedford, O O Siochru, G Buckley, C McIntyre, D O Murchu, C Keane-Breslin, E Campion, M O Dwyer (0-01), D O Gallchobhair (0-08, 4f), D Keane (1-00), D Mullins, P Casey, M O'Loughlin (3-03), D Paisley (0-01).

Subs N Sweeney for D Mulins (inj), P Comerford for P Casey

For images of this match click HERE or on the image below