U12 footballers win two of three

The first team to head off went to Ellenfield to take on Whitehall B in a tight contest. It took a few minutes for our lads to get out of the blocks but they soon found their rhythm. Positive encouragement from the sideline from the mentors got the team going and there was great play right through the team. The dedicated  goalkeeping training provided by Paul Kavanagh last Thurs to David Seagrave in goals was very evident. The result was in doubt right up to the final whistle when unfortunately the lads lost by just 1 point after an excellent display - even Keith Murphys bribe of sweets at the end for all the lads just wasn't enough to coax out one final score as they went down 4-4 to 3-6 Well done to all the players for a great match. The work in training is paying off with some superb passing particularly in the second half. Unfortunately a goal from Cillian Jennings was disallowed but he didn't let that disappoint as he went on to score an excellent point. Some excellent performances from the 2 seans, Stephen, David(s) Adam, Sam, Barry, Jeff, Greg and Paul and Mikey.

Team: David McCormack, Barry Markey, David Seagrave, Jeff Scollard, Sam Murphy, Adam Reilly, Stephen Lowe, Cillian Jennings, Sean Lonergan,Greg Foley, Sean O Donnell, Paul Finn, Mikey Barrett Thanks to the mentors Keith, Diarmuid, Ger, Niall and Ray

Another great win as this team continues unbeaten after putting 3-19 vs St Monicas and 6-16 vs St Mgts in previous weeks. Led by Liam Foley Jnr in the full forward line this team placed 2-5 on the scoreboard after just 10 minutes. Aaron Walsh arrived in a cloud of dust to make up the 13th man and the team moved up a gear as Gavin Hydes rattled over a number of scores. Sean Murphy did really well as he had Syls honour and reputation to live up to as one of his mates lined out for the Ravens and he drove the team forward to victory in the second half thus allowing Norma a few bragging rights for the week. Brian Murray came out of goals to supplement the attack. The lads won handy enough in the end with some great performances throughout the team. Luke Peyton was very comfortable in the half backs as was Ciaran Shiels and Fiachra Nolan tells me he did some great work also-who am I to argue as did Alan, Ronan and Harry. Word of thanks to Darragh Nolan for the first 10 minutes for keeping Aarons place for him.

team : Sean Murphy, Liam Shalloe, Ciaran Shiels, Liam Foley, Ronan Cushnahan, Brian Murray, Gavin Hydes, Harry Barnes, Aaron Walsh, Fiachra Nolan, Luke Peyton, Alan Byrne, Cathal Rainey

Thanks to Liam, Stephen and Dave for looking after the lads today

Our final match was home at Bridgefield versus a very strong Craobh Ciaran A squad who were extremely quick and took their scores extremely well. While we struggled quite a bit in the first half a rousing half time team talk from Brendan Gleeson got the lads going in the second half. Jack Hennessy did some good work in the first half in goals and then came outfield to strengthen our forward line. Daniel Crowthers took over in goals and his strong kick outs relieved some of the pressure. In the back line Peter Murphy withdrew with a hand injury but then bravely took to the field again to assist his team mates-many thanks to Sean our super sub for helping us out. John Gleeson and Anthony Cox worked tirelessly in the second half in particular with a great never say die attitude in midfield while Mark Mitchell and Joe Shannon(who kept close to their men throughout also did well.) Peter Tumelty and Andrew Desmond did well in keeping the opposition under control while Gavin McCormack took his scores well getting a goal and a point. The man of the match John Clifford had one of his best games in a syls shirt and never gave up- Keelan McCormacks trusted left boot also got on the scoresheet. Jamie Costello kept on making himself available and making tackles until the full time whistle went. while the scoreline was disappointing this was an excellent Craobh Ciaran side and an A team at that. Our guys were superb and  displayed a great attitude particularly in the second half.

Team: Daniel Crowthers, Jamie Costello, Andrew Desmond, Peter Tumelty, Gavin McCormack, Keelan McCormack, John Gleeson, Anthony Cox, Peter Murphy, Jack Hennessy, Joe Shannon, John Clifford, Mark Mitchell