Match Reports 2012 - U13A

February 18th 2012

Rosmini College

Kilmacud Crokes 3-8 Na Fianna 7-16

Crokes travelled out to Rosmini College last Saturday to take on Na Fianna in Round 3 of the grading league. The mid term break had reduced our numbers somewhat but it meant we were able to bring up players from the B team as their match had been cancelled. Na Fianna started brightly and got 2 quick points on the scoreboard before Crokes settled down. We then had a nice spell which yielded a goal and a point. However Na Fianna then hit 2 quick goals and from there to half time we were under the gun. Our backs were under pressure to clear their lines but they never gave up and made the opposition fight for every score. The half time whistle had the scoreboard showing Na Fianna 4-06 to Crokes 2-03.

Crokes did manage the first score of the 2nd half but from there on in we were fighting a losing battle. Na Fianna kept the scoreboard ticking over and in the end ran out easy winners. Even though the scoreboard told its own story it should be noted that the Crokes team fought to the end and played some very good football at times. The bulk of our scores came when we moved the ball quickly and we will be looking for much more of this as the season goes on.

Panel: Eoin Barr, Alan Lundon, Cathal O Dwyer, Scott Penney, Daragh Thompson, Tom Kehoe, Hugh Murray, Eamon Keating, Paul Buckley, Sean Gillen, Stephen Horgan, Andrew Duncan, Dara Jones, Robert Russell, Michael Gibbons, Sam Lynch, Matthew Curran, Ciaran Byrne.
Next up is Ballyboden next Saturday in Deerpark at 3.30pm which will be our first home game of the season.

February 11th 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 4-6 Sylvester's 4-8

We travelled over to Sylvesters last Saturday for our second game in the grading league after our opening day victory against St Vincents. We knew this would be a tough test as they had won the Division 1 Northside league last year. The opposition got off to a good start and eased into a 3 point lead after 10 minutes. We slowly got into our stride and began to get a grip around the middle of the field with the result that our forwards were beginning to see a lot of ball coming in which resulted in scores. However coming up to half time we conceded two quick goals which put us on the back foot and the half time whistle saw us down by 5 points. Our backs had done very well in the first half as they were under a lot of pressure. Scott Penney, Niall Brady, Dara Thompson and Lorcan O Connor were keeping a close on their opponents and getting the ball out to the half back line of Tom Kehoe, Eamon Keating and Hugh Murray. We had 2 separate goalkeepers in the first half and both Paul Buckley and Eoin Barr brought off world class stops which certainly kept us in the game.

The second half was a great battle with some great scores taken by both sides. Kevin Ryan and Paul Buckley were winning good possession around the middle of the field. Hugh Kenny, Stephen Horgan and Sean Gillen were getting on top in the half forward line and scores were coming from the likes of Ciaran Byrne, Matthew Curran, Daragh Jones, Andrew Duncan and Robert Russell. Our backs were solid throughout the second half with Mark McClatchie prominent in the left side. Entering the final couple of minutes we strove manfully to win the game but in the end we came up 2 points short. However it was a great team effort and bodes well for the season ahead. Thanks to the parents for making the journey out in good numbers.

Panel: Paul Buckley, Lorcan O Connor, Scott Penney, Dara Thompson, Niall Brady, Tom Kehoe, Eamon Keating, Mark McClatchie, Hugh Murray, Eoin Barr, Kevin Ryan, Hugh Kenny, Stephen Horgan, Matthew Curran, Sean Gillen, Daragh Jones, Ciaran Byrne, Andrew Duncan, Robert Russell

February 4th 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 7-10 St Vincents 3-05

St Annes Park

This match had been scheduled as a home game for Crokes but due to pitch conditions it was agreed that we would travel Northside and play in St Annes Park. The first half was a close encounter with Crokes going in at half time with a 5 point lead. This was on the back of a very good defensive display with Paul Buckley very prominent in the goals and fronted by Niall Brady, Scott Penney and Lorcan O Connor. Our half backs Tom Kehoe, Eamon Keating, Hugh Murray moved the ball quickly with our midfielders Eoin Barr and Kevin Ryan providing a very good platform for our forwards.

The second half started with Crokes having lots of possession but it was not showing on the scoreboard. Then St Vincents hit a purple patch and by the 45th minute had gone into a one point lead. This was a signal for the Crokes to buckle down to the job in hand and the scores followed quickly. In the end we ran out easy winners but know much more improvement will be required for the season ahead. We will be playing 4 more grading matches against very good opposition and will know where we stand at the end of this league.

Panel: Paul Buckey, Lorcan O Connor, Scott Penney, Niall Brady, Tom Kehoe, Mark McClatchie, Eamon Keating, Hugh Murray, Sean Gillen, Eoin Barr, Kevin Ryan, Matthew Curran, Hugh Kenny, Andrew Duncan, Stephen Horgan, Cathal O Dwyer, Ciaran Byrne, Daragh Jones, Robert Russell