Match Reports 2012 - U15

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SEPT 23RD 2012 - CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

Kilmacud Crokes 2 -15 Cuala 0-7

Crokes U15s defeated Cuala by 14 points in a replay of their championship match from the previous weekend at Thomastown on Sunday last. This was a great performance by Crokes who hadn't defeated Cuala in 4 previous meetings during 2012.

In contrast to the previous weekend's match in which Crokes has kicked their first 4 chances wide, on this occasion their first four opportunities were all converted. As a result, Crokes opened up a commanding lead, which they were never to relinquish, in the first seven minutes of the match. Crokes were on top all over the field from the outset and the precision of their passing, their link play and their intensity were all at a very high level. Crokes had 5 different scorers in the first half, Conor, Michael F, Fergal, Dan, Stephen K - it was heart-warming stuff. In defence, Stevie O'Dwyer seemed to mop up any breaking ball that fell anywhere near the Crokes goal.

To be fair to Cuala they rallied and came more into the game as the match progressed. The Crokes goalkeeper Cathal Keane played his part making a crucial save from the Cuala full-forward just after they had scored their first points of the day. A goal at that stage would have brought them right back into the game. Crokes landed the last score of the half to leave them 5 points up, in marked distinction to the drawn match when, at the same point, they were 6 points down. Half-time score Crokes 0 - 9, Cuala 0 - 4.

The scoring differential probably didn't fairly reflect Crokes dominance in the first half and it was important that they started brightly in the second to continue where they had left off. They absolutely did this and scored with as much regularity in the second half as in the first. Apart from another 6 points to add to the tally, Crokes scored good 2 goals as well with Stephen K and Dan getting the vital finishes.

However, scoring wasn't the most notable feature of the second half performance. What was particularly impressive was the team's defensive display with the number of blocks made being particularly good when Cuala upped their game and tried desperately to get back into the match. One critical block from Ben Shovlin when the match had not yet been decided won applause from the large contingent of Crokes supporters at Thomastown.

The final score was Crokes 2 - 15, Cuala 0 - 7. It was a stunning result.

On a day when it was great to have any association with this particular Kilmacud Crokes team, it is extremely difficult to pick out any especially impressive displays - there were just so many. This team has had its trials and tribulations in the past year but they are training extremely hard, playing even harder and are now in the quarter-final of the Dublin U15 Championship against Ballymun, the 2011 All-Ireland Feile Division 1 Winners next Sunday. The team is undefeated in 6 matches, what chances of making it 7 up?

Kilmacud Crokes:

Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Harry Kelly, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Lorcan Cunningham, Ben Shovlin, Stephen Kilgallen, Michael Frawley, Conor Kelly, Fergal Whitley, Dan O'Brien, Michael Reidy, Callum Pearson, Tom Fox, Andrew Fox, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Matt Barry.

Enda Kelly



APR 29th 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 4-10 Lucan Sarsfields 0-5

(Silver Park)

On a desperately cold but dry day in Silverpark with a strong wind whistling diagonally across the field, Crokes under 15s set out looking for their first win in a number of weeks. A solid first half showing set the basis for a positive result but in terms of the quality of fare on display Sars looked a better team when we narrowly defeated them in Lucan earlier in the season and it could be argued that Crokes have played better over the duration of the hour in the last month and not won.

Nevertheless, Crokes started well and, after a series of attacks had been thwarted, Callum drilled a ball to the back of the net from about 7 yards out to give the home team the perfect start. Lucan were bemused somewhat by their start and proceeded to score just once in the half. Meanwhile, Crokes had further points from Tom Fox, Joe Doyle and Fergal to leave the score at 1-7 to 0-1 at the break. Crokes were competitive around the middle and tight at the back where Cathal was coolness personified, Stevie returned home to corner back as if he was never away and Lorcan Cunningham continued his super form of late in the left full back position. Harry Kelly revelled in the extra space in the half back line and Steven mopped up loads of ball in the centre. Alex in his first ever football match for Crokes was a revelation at full-forward, winning every ball that came in his direction and using it to good effect before going off with an unfortunate injury.

It may have been the sheer relief of taking a substantial lead in a match for quite some time but Crokes seemed to relax in the second half and the game became shapeless and dull. For a time even midway through the half it looked that Lucan might be allowed to get back into the game in a meaningful way but well worked goals from Tom, Fergal and a super finish from Conor Mc, points from some of the same and a final point from Ben closed the door long before the finish with a final score line of 4-10 to 0-5 for Crokes.

The main emotion at the end was one of relief, relief at finally getting a win and also relief at being in a position to get going again when Lucan asked some questions half way through the second half.

Crokes: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Conor Kelly, Lorcan Cunningham, Harry Kelly, Sam Daly, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Ben Shovlin, Stephen Kilgallen, Tom Fox, Joe Doyle, Callum Pearson, Andrew Fox, Alex Considine, Fergal Whitely, Conor McNicholas, John Maher, Matt Barry, Lorcan Rooney.
 

APRIL 1ST 2012

KILMACUD CROKES 0-10 BALLYBODEN ST. ENDA's 1-9

Cherryfield

This was always going to be a tough assignment for Crokes with Boden's form very good so far in this year's league and Crokes mixing the good with the bad thus far. The match schedule was put back from the normal kick-off time because of the availability of the main pitch at Cherryfield and it was a pleasure to play on. On a beautiful spring day hopes were high that, with an improved performance, Crokes might just sneak a good result. With one recent exception matches at this level between Crokes and Boden have been tough, tight battles with the result going right down to the wire.

The pace was frenetic from the throw-in with Boden missing two chances of getting the first score. Crokes came roaring back with Tom Fox showing well and getting his first score of a very productive afternoon in the 3rd minute. Whatever it is about Boden, Tom always seems to keep his best performances for them. The opposition, using their size and weight to good advantage replied with scores in the 8th and 13th minutes but had it put up to them by a hugely committed Crokes team who outscored them by 4 to 1 in the rest of the half to lead deservedly by double scores, 6 points to 3, at the break. John Maher and Fergal joined Tom in the scoring stakes and, while Crokes were finding it difficult to win primary possession at midfield, they excelled in picking up the breaks particularly through Stevie who was operating as Crokes roving man and used his pure football intelligence to get his hands on loads of possession. The backs as a unit, after a switch of wing-backs, worked very well, fighting for possession and harrying and harassing their opponents at every opportunity.

After a severe dressing down by their management at half time, Boden were mad keen to get going again. They scored first to emphasis the point but Crokes responded with the next 2 scores to push their lead out to 4 points for the first time. The quality of the Crokes play was impressive. To a man, they were giving of their very best. The introduction of Brian Grogan and Matt Barry, who made a great run half the length of the field as soon as he was introduced before being dragged down on the 13 metre line, re-energised the Crokes effort.

Then Boden hit their purple patch. They scored a goal and 3 between the 18th and 25th minutes and in the process turned the match around. The goal was somewhat fortuitous, Crokes having an opportunity to clear, and the ball eventually just coming to rest inside the left upright. But Crokes, now two points down, came back to level matters with a driving run from midfield followed by a neat finish from Steven Kilgallon for Croke's last score of the day. The final two scores of the match came from Boden but in all truth it could so easily have gone the other way.

This was a difficult defeat to take because Crokes were so close to victory in the end. That goal that would have made all the difference eluded us and we did have the opportunities. A few missed frees at critical times and a strong call for a penalty, that wasn't given, didn't help either. Having stated all that, this was Crokes best performance so far this year. The determination, commitment and skill level of the Crokes boys was fantastic. This must have been a great match for the neutrals, as the saying goes, and I'm sure Boden wouldn't have begrudged Crokes a draw in the final analysis.

SQUAD: Cathal Keane, Harry Kelly, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Stephen Kilgallon, Andrew Fox, Michael Frawley, John Maher, Tom Fox, Fergal Whitely, Stevie O'Dwyer, Brian Grogan, Matt Barry, Lorcan Rooney.


March 12th 2012

Silverpark

Kilmacud Crokes 0-6 Cuala 2-6

A tale of two halves, matches between Crokes and nearest local rivals Cuala are usually tough and competitive and this was no different. Cuala started with the advantage of the slope and a strong breeze and that may well have been the deciding factor. From a defensive perspective Crokes battled well from the outset with Eoin and Sam setting the example. Cathal had a very solid game throughout with some good saves particularly one great block at the end of the second half and his kickouts consistently making the middle of the field. Lorcan C had his best game for quite some time but unfortunately Crokes struggled in the half forward line and at midfield. Crokes full forward line tried hard but just couldn't get that first score that might have allowed some momentum to build. Crokes had one great goal opportunity ten minutes before halftime but the Cuala keeper wasn't tested as he should have been. In contrast, Cuala kept the scoreboard ticking over with points in the 6th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th minutes, a good goal in the 16th minute and most importantly a second goal well finished following an initial punch clear immediately prior to the break. So the halftime score was incredibly 2-5 for Cuala to no score for Crokes. Things could only get better and they did.

Crokes made a few changes at the break with Danny K coming on at midfield where he and Conor K dominated in the second half. Matt Barry had already been introduced late in the first and slowly the game started to turn around. It still took Crokes 7 minutes to get their first score in the half and by this time Cuala had increased their lead by pointing in the 5th. This was however to be their last score. Crokes were now getting points but goals were needed and despite a great shot that flashed across the face of the goal by Conor K and Danny being dragged back after he had broken through just outside the penalty area, among other attempts, the goals just wouldn't come. Dan O'Brien was introduced in the forward line and showed promise. Crokes went on to score a total of six points in the second half with Tom Fox the pick of the forward division.

So another disappointing defeat for Crokes. On balance, Cuala deserved their win. They were stronger overall and took the opportunities as they were presented. With a break now for a few weeks the lads have an opportunity to train hard and raise their level of performance in the last few games before the summer break. It doesn't get any easier - next up Boden.

SQUAD: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Conor Kelly, Tom Fox, Michael Frawley, Lorcan Rooney, Conor McNicholas, John Maher, Johnnny Maher, Matt Barry, Dan O'Brien, Danny Kane

 

February 26th 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 1-10 Fingallians 1-10

This was the fourth match for Crokes in the new league and was a chance for the team to make up for the disappointment of the previous weekend. Matches with Fingallians have, for the most part, been very close over the years and this was no exception. It was a tight, tough contest for the duration and, in the end, although the visiting team finished as the stronger one, the home team had probably done enough in the first part of the game to merit a draw.

Fingallians started playing with the breeze and into the scoring goals at the motorway end. Crokes took some time to warm up, not scoring until the 10th minute, at which point Fingallians already had 2 points on the board. They were using their greater physical strength to good effect and dominating in the aerial stakes at midfield. Crokes were stronger on the wings and it was point for point until the end of the half when Fingallians got the last 2 scores of the half to leave them 2 points to the good at the break on a score of 8 points to 6. Crokes first half performance was marked by the fine free-taking of Michael and the general doggedness and honesty of the team performance. Fergal and Tom each got a good point from play in the period also.

Again Crokes started the second half slowly and allowed Fingallians to dominate initially. In direct contrast to the first half when it was nip and tuck throughout, Fingallians got all their scores in the second half before Crokes got even one. The first of these was a penalty given against Crokes which even had the Fingallian mentors scratching their heads. It was expertly despatched giving Cathal in goals absolutely no chance. Fingallians followed the goal up with two points but thereafter Crokes got going and outscored the opposition by 1 - 4 to no score. It was thrilling to watch for the Crokes support as slowly Fingallians were reeled in and eventually caught. The referee blew the match up on the dot of 30 minutes and given that the momentum was with the Southside lads at that point that was disappointing for the Crokes. Michael kept up his free-taking excellence in the second half getting three in a row. The other scores were a long range point from Conor K which split the posts and a good goal from the excellent Steven K which the Fingallians keeper just couldn't stretch to.

This was a far better performance from Crokes U15s than the previous week's one though it was far from perfect. All 15 who started played their hearts out and Oisin, John Maher and Conor Mc N made a big contribution when introduced. Some of Crokes handling was iffy on occasion and clearances from defence were too short and hesitant. Nevertheless the positives far outweighed the negatives overall and Crokes now look forward to their next match against old friends and rivals Cuala on Sunday week in Silver Park with optimism.

SQUAD: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Conor Kelly, Andrew Fox, Oisin Dowling, Tom Fox, Michael Frawley, Fergal Whitley, Steven Kilgallen, Lorcan Rooney, Conor McNicholas, John Maher, Johnny Maher.

February 19th 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 1-4 Na Fianna 6-14

This was the third match for Crokes in the new league and was expected to be a big step up in standard from the previous two. Na Fianna have been one of the top two teams at this age group for the last few years and, although Crokes have come close to beating them in the recent past, we have never just quite managed it.

Crokes had almost a full panel to select from with the starting team not changing hugely from last weeks one. Na Fianna had the benefit of a good breeze in the first half and their cause was helped hugely in the 3rd minute when Cathal parried a goal bound shot that was eventually finished to the back of the net. Crokes rallied well and responded with a good finish by Joe in the seventh minute after a great move going the length of the field. However with midfield creaking badly and the ball coming back from the forward line just as quickly as it went up there, the Crokes defence was under huge pressure for almost the whole game. Eoin Sheehy at full back was inspirational from the start and captain Sam Daly gave another sterling performance in a pressurised defence which never gave up. However Crokes didn't score again from play in the first half with just one pointed free from Michael to another 2-5 for a well drilled Na Fianna outfit who worked the ball much better than Crokes.

The away side did battle hard for the later part of the half but a critical goal for Na Fianna in the last action of the first half, allied to another good goal from the 2nd half kickoff, effectively ended the game as a contest. Crokes had just one point from play between the 7th minute of the first half and the 12th minute of the second, the point coming from hard-working and determined Steven Kilgallen. It was the 30th minute of the half before Crokes got their last score of the match, a point from Joe. Na Fianna had scored 3-6 in the second half at that point.

So a sobering morning's outing for the Crokes team. There is much work to be done if we are to close the gap on the likes of Na Fianna.

Squad: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Conor Kelly, Andrew Fox, Callum Pearson, Oisin Dowling, Tom Fox, Michael Frawley, Fergal Whitley, Joe Doyle, Steven Kilgallen, Lorcan Rooney, Hugh Campion, Conor McNicholas, John Maher.


February 12th 2012

Silver Park

Kilmacud Crokes 5-13 Naomh Barrog 0-4

This was the second match for Crokes in the new league and a tough match was expected against a team that Crokes had not played in football before, Barrog having been promoted from Division 2 at the end of last season, but against whom there have been many battles over the years in hurling. Nevertheless, the Crokes boys have trained hard since the start of the year and were looking forward to following up their win from last week with a second successive league win.

Again, the day was dry but it was a little warmer than last week and Crokes were pleased to be playing on their home pitch for the first time in 2012. For a variety of reasons, Barrog arrived with just 15 players. Crokes had almost a full panel to select from with last weeks starting 15 given the endorsement of the management team by starting en bloc again with the exception of Steven Kilgallen, who lined out instead of the flu stricken Conor Kelly.

Barrog started the game brightly and it looked like being a difficult assignment for the Crokes team. However they were a goal and a point down by the fifth minute, the point coming from a free by Michael and the goal resulting from a goalkeeping error when the Barrog man dropped a shot from Oisin, which had dropped short, over his head into the net. Captain Sam Daly was particularly effective in this period plugging holes right throughout the backline and initiating attacks with astute distribution of the ball. Just after Barrog got their first score in the seventh minute disaster struck when one of their defenders shipped an injury that would take him out of the game thus leaving his team to battle on with just 14 players for the rest of the game, a situation which would be exasperated for the last few minutes when they went down to 13, following the dismissal of their fullback. As the extra man, Stevie played an effective role as a sweeper in front of the fullback line thereafter.

Barrog scored just once more in the first half with Crokes adding another 1 - 5 to leave the half-time score at Crokes 2 - 6, Barrog 0 - 2. In total there were 5 Crokes scorers in the first half with Andrew Fox notching the second goal. Fergal scored possibly the best point of the game in this period fading the ball from right to left and over the bar.

Crokes made 2 changes at the start of the second half with the hard working Ben and Callum just recovered from illness and injury respectively being replaced by Danny and Joe. Two Crokes goals at the start of the second half, one an unfortunate deflection from a defender, effectively ended the match as a contest. The entire Crokes panel got a run out and there were impressive performances from all, notably from Lorcan Rooney and John Maher. Attitudes were spot on for the second week in succession.

Next week, it's an away match again against our old rivals Na Fianna. This will be a step above the challenge thus far.

SQUAD: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Andrew Fox, Callum Pearson, Oisin Dowling, Tom Fox, Michael Frawley, Fergal Whitley, Joe Doyle, Steven Kilgallen, Lorcan Rooney, Hugh Campion, Conor McNicholas, John Maher, Danny Kane

 

February 5th, 2012

Kilmacud Crokes 1-10 Lucan Sarsfields 1-8

12th Lock

This was the first match for this group of players as Under 15s and with a new management team in place, combining fresh blood with some of the old stagers, the importance of getting off to a winning start, in what is expected to be a competitive league, couldn't be under-estimated. The boys had trained hard since the beginning of the year and were looking forward to the match with eager anticipation.

On a dry but bitterly cold day, Crokes got off to a reasonable start easing the nerves with the first score of the game, a point, but Lucan came back strongly helped by a strong breeze and were tough opponents to make progress against. Crokes just scored once more in the first half, getting not only the first point of the game and but also the first goal. However, chances, in particular goal chances, went a begging with Crokes hitting the woodwork once in the first half and twice in the second as well as bringing out saves of the highest order from the impressive Lucan net-minder throughout the game. Lucan attacked incessantly and deserved to lead by a clear 3 points at half-time. From Crokes, the effort however was great with the fullback line of Stevie, Eoin and Lorcan C defending as if their lives depended on it. In addition, the half-back line of Stiofan, an impressive debutant at this level, Sam and Harry defended honestly and provided a platform for those further up field to get to grips with matters. Cathal Keane was solid throughout as befits every good goalkeeper. His kickouts have improved dramatically from previous outings, obviously benefiting from the coaching of Crokes Senior Keeper, David Nestor and, of course, the practice Cathal has been putting in himself.

Crokes upped the intensity and level of performance in the second half. With the aid of the breeze and the introduction of Joe and Steven to good effect, combined with the hard working and effective midfield partnership of Conor K and Ben, Crokes kept incessant pressure on Lucan and turned the tide. After missing several good chances in the first period, the forward line started to click. Calum had another good game at centre forward and his return to form has been a real bonus for the team. Andrew Fox played neatly and intelligently in his first outing for the As in a while, using the ball to good effect and linking defence to attack well. Oisin, until replaced, tried hard and was at the heart of a number of good moves. Tom Fox, selected at corner forward, played a withdrawn role and used the ball well in possession. Fergal and Michael, after an inauspicious start, improved as the game went on and discovered their shooting boots in the second half. In that period, Crokes outscored Lucan by 9 points to 4 and the longer the game the stronger they looked.

The real plus to be taken from the game was the attitude of the Crokes players throughout. They tried to put what had been worked on in training to good effect and never, for a moment, gave up on a ball. The match was most competitive throughout. However the reality of the situation is that Dublin Division 1 football at U15 level is the strongest league in the country - there is nothing easy and the result of this match was in doubt to the very end.

And so Crokes ground out their first win of the campaign and have a home match to come against Naomh Barrog next week-end to put two wins in a row together before facing old friends and rivals Na Fianna in a fortnights time.

SQUAD: Cathal Keane, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Conor Kelly, Andrew Fox, Callum Pearson, Oisin Dowling, Tom Fox, Michael Frawley, Fergal Whitley, Joe Doyle, Steven Kilgallen, Lorcan Rooney, Hugh Campion, Conor McNicholas, John Maher