U20 Club League: Austin Stacks 3-10; Kilcummin/Rathmore 5-10.
This opening round of this five-round Co. League, played in Connolly Park on this Saturday afternoon (26th June) saw a fast free-flowing game where both sides dominated at different periods. We started briskly and were a goal and two points up in the first four minutes with points by Cian Purcell and Gearóid Kilgallen and a super goal by team captain Daniel O’Rourke. We had increased that lead to five points (1-4 to 0-2) by the first water break with a James Charles point from play and a pointed free by Cian Purcell.
The visitors got going during the second quarter when they outscored us by 1-4 to 0-3 to leave us ahead by just one at half time (1-7 to 1-6) – our three points coming again from Daniel O’Rourke (one) and two by Cian Purcell – one from a free and a super effort from play from a very tight angle.
However it was during the third quarter that the East Kerry boys really turned this game in their favour when they scored three goals and two points to 1-2 for us – Conor Myers combining well with Cian Purcell for our goal and our points coming from Eoghan Carroll and James Charles, both from play. And Kicummin/Rathmore could have been out of sight at this stage but for a series of brilliant saves (four at least) by Davis Oba.
In the final quarter then the visitors added a further 1-2 to a goal and a point for us with Conor Myers on target for both. Apart from those already mentioned there were some splendid performances also from men like Niall Fitzmaurice who made some fantastic runs up field from his centre back position with some great play also by from Eoghan Carroll and David Burke at centre field. And despite the score-line our backline performed well also throughout the game. So team mentors Tim McMahon, Paddy Barry, TJ Sheehan and Eamonn O’Reilly can be reasonably happy with this first outing of the season.
Team (13 a-side): David Oba, Kevin Barry, Ruairí O’Connell, Craig Teahan, No Number 5, Niall Fitzmaurice, Tom O’Farrell, Eoghan Carroll (0-1), David Burke, Gearóid Kilgallen (0-1), Daniel O’Rourke (Capt) (1-1), Evan Foley, No Number 13, Cian Purcell (1-4 – two frees), James Charles (0-2).
Subs used: Conor Myers (ht) (1-1), Matthew Browne (45m).
In round 2 we are away to Legion (10th July) with our remaining three rounds at home to Na Gaeil (24th July), and Laune Rangers (7th Aug) and the fifth and final round away to Dr. Crokes (14th Aug) – all Saturday games.
