Under 9's do treble v Cuala!!
MATCH 1 Kilmacud Crokes 31 Cuala 0
The Under 9’s made the short journey to Thomastown Road on Saturday morning to play against Cuala on a morning of perfect conditions for hurling. This game was an outstanding team performance by the Crokes boys with every member of the panel making it on to the score sheet. Tom Kehoe and Adam Cantwell gave all-action performances in midfield ensuring a constant supply of ball into the forwards and Gavin Kilroy, Robert Kent and Louis Keys proved to be a formidable defensive unit ensuring any attacking opportunities for Cuala came to nothing. Well taken goals either side of half-time by Niall Bezeci and Stephen Tuite put Crokes in command of the match and a couple of long-range points by James Dalton and Michael Gibbons half way through the second half meant the Crokes boys were out of reach well before the final whistle. Joan “Missus Cody” Bezeci was understandably delighted with the performance of her young charges – and her amazing record of never having lost a match remains intact.
TEAM: Niall Bezeci, Adam Cantwell, James Dalton, Michael Gibbons, Thomas Kehoe, Louis Keys, Robert Kent, Gavin Kilroy, Stephen Tuite.
MENTOR: Joan Bezeci
MATCH 2 Kilmacud Crokes 30 Cuala 4
Joe took the scenic route to Glenageary on Saturday morning in order to make sure the lads were nice and relaxed coming into the game and it proved an inspired decision. They went straight into attack from the first whistle and there were some lovely early points from Cian Coleman and Peter Smith. The “Our Lady’s Grove” frontline of Eoin Buggy, Cian MacDonncha and Owen Shearer were busy throughout and kept the score board ticking along nicely to give Crokes a half-time lead of 12-3. Against a slight breeze in the second half Crokes Barry MacGabhann and Scott Penny dominated the midfield exchanges and Aaron Murphy was tenacious in the tackle at the back. Under the GO games rules, teams are awarded three points for an “over” and Hugh Bermingham took full advantage of this rule by sending over a brace of points in the second half which put some distance between Crokes and Cuala in the closing minutes. Crokes ran out eventual winners by a score of 30-4 and what impressed Joe and the parents most was the way in which the boys were now applying the range of skills that they were learning on the training ground into match situations. Well done to all.
TEAM: Hugh Bermingham, Eoin Buggy, Cian Coleman, Cian MacDonncha, Barry MacGabhann, Aaron Murphy, Scott Penny, Owen Shearer, Peter Smith.
MENTOR: Joe O’Connor
MATCH 3 Kilmacud Crokes 16 Cuala 6
This was a very exciting and well-contested match where both teams gave their all and a high level of skill was on display. The Crokes lads started at a tremendous pace and some excellent tackling and clearances at the back from a determined back three of Eoin Barr, David Cullen and Harry Doyle ensured that most of the first half action was at the Cuala goal. Dylan Crossan was first to benefit and struck home the first goal after five minutes of play. Soon after, the highlight of the first half came with a superbly struck 45 by Cathal O’Dwyer (off the ground) which flew straight over the bar and contributed to Crokes going into the break with an 8-2 lead. The second half was just as competitive and the skilful combination of Paul Buckley and Stephen Horgan kept Crokes on top in the midfield battle while Lorcan O’Connor and Niall Brady showed some lovely touches up front to keep the Cuala defence on the back foot. There was fantastic support from the parents (many thanks to them for their assistance with the transport) which helped the boys maintain their form right to the end and enabled Crokes to earn a well deserved victory by 16-6. Tony had nothing but praise for every member of the team and was grateful for the assistance of Pat Horgan on the sideline with the rotation of the boys during the match.
TEAM: Eoin Barr, Niall Brady, Paul Buckley, David Cullen, Dylan Crossan, Harry Doyle, Stephen Horgan, Lorcan O'Connor, Cathal O'Dwyer.
MENTOR: Tony Buckley
