Leinster Dream Lives on as Crokes dispose of Navan OMahonys
Our boys are proving to be like a fine wine; they get better as the championship season ages! Today was their most consistent, skilful and balanced performance of 2008 and fills their supporters full of hope for the remainder of the campaign. The value of a good squad was very evident as the introduction of Liam Óg Ó'hEineacháin, Johnny Magee and Barry O'Rorke in the 2nd half added to an already impressive display. This was a cracking game with some wonderful combined play from both teams and some excellent scores. Navan just didn't have the luck on the day despite creating a number of decent chances. Mark Davoren's early opportunist goal, resulting from a Brian Kavanagh lob, was the decisive moment of a first half where young Ross O'Carroll turned in a truly massive performance at full-back.
Crokes seemed determined to demonstrate the value of 2 weeks rest - a rare luxury these days - from an early stage. A wonderful move in the 21st minute was initiated deep in defence by Kevin Nolan who transferred the ball quickly to Ray Cosgrove. He found Brian Kavanagh before the ball reached Mark Vaughan for a calm finish to lead 1-4 to 0-2. The whole team played particularly well on the day with the 'terrible twins' again causing havoc. Brian Kavanagh's score on 27 mins was plucked from his arsenal of wonder points, edging Crokes 1-5 to 0-2 ahead. Mr Consistent, Mark Vaughan, worked tirelessly throughout converting some juicy frees at crucial stages - one from over 50 metres. He even had the audacity to lob a cool left-foot point mid-way through the second half following an excellent Darren Magee ball-winning tackle and good link play with Pat Burke. Lest there be any doubt about the result, Burkey showed his class on 57 and 59 minutes with 2 really super points and, at 1-11 to 0-7, there was to be no way back for the Meath men!
Our thoughts now turn to Rhode in 2 weeks time and the Leinster Final. Two epic games were required in 2005 to separate these two teams and Crokes were fortunate to progress, eventually claiming Provincial honours in the final v Newbridge Sarsfields. It should be another great occasion in Parnell Park and all in Stillorgan are already looking forward to the day. Where would we be without the club championship - it's the perfect antidote to the credit crunch; raw passion and superb entertainment ..... long may it continue!
Check Hill16 and the National Press for more details on today's great win!