U10's take on Sixmilebridge
Excellent fare in Oatlands on 18 August 2103
On the day of the 2013 Clare-Limerick semi final, the U10 (2003's) hurling squad invited Sixmilebridge from Clare to play our boys en-route to Croke Park. We fielded two even 12-a-side teams on what turned out to be a beautiful morning for hurling in Oatlands. Each game was 15-minutes per half and each team played both of the opposition teams, for a total of an hour's hurling.
Match reports from Squad 1
Starting lineout: Joe Quinlan, Mark O'Reilly, Patrick van Zuydam, Luke O'Loughlin, Darragh Gerraghty, Luke Ward, Colm Crean, Hugh Leyden, Barra O'Donoghue, Kieran Maguire, Ciarán Sweeney, Robert Breen
Game 1:
The first match was a real test for our boys as the visitors launched straight into a fast, physical game. This was a tight match throughout. Our boys were up three points to no score at half time but the visitors responded immediately after half time with a goal and a point to take the lead for the first time. Two late points from our side put our noses just in front as the final whistle blew.
Move of the match: Mark O'Reilly with a brave frontal block to stop a certain score from right in front of the goal at the end of the first half.
Final Score: KC 0-5, 'Bridge 1-1
Game 2:
The second match was a different type of match with both teams a bit slow off the mark in the first half. Sixmilebridge probably had the better possession in that first half winning quite a lot of ball in midfield but lucky for us they failed to convert this on the scoreboard as they drove the ball wide a number of times. Indeed at half time we were ahead by two points to one point. Wide a few stern words from the coaching staff at half time, the boys really lifted their game and got back up on their toes to reach the ball first far more often. Some fantastic support play was in evidence from the Kilmacud team in the second half with support players running good lines off the player in possession, taking accurate passes and converting intelligent scores.
Move of the match: Robert Breen who, running onto a puck out and rising it with great first touch, recognised that he was about to come under overwhelming pressure from the opposition, and so he passed the ball immediately and simply over to Colm who was free of markers and was able to slot over the point.
Final Score: KC 4-4, 'Bridge 1-3
Match reports from Squad 2
Starting lineout; Daniel Nolan, Patrick Corbett, Cal Rohan, Darragh Nelligan, Conor Hughes, Jordan Mynes, Hugh Moran, Sean Harty, Conan Hargaden Christopher McCann Darragh Harrison and Mark McHugh.
Game 1:
Kilmacud started really well and it was clear that Sixmilebridge suffered what we have notice before where kids get off bus and haven't had chance to get up and running as first half was evenly split in terms of territory and control. Kilmacud raced into a 2-2 to 0-0 lead and seemed to be in control of game, getting to the ball 1st and passing the ball well into the forwards. Sixmilebridge then got a goal and it changed the dynamic as our boys started to yield possession and Sixmilebridge took control both on the pitch and scoreboard as they got another 1-2 to leave the sides level at half time.
2nd half saw Kilmacud get back on top and this time they dominated the play for the full 15 minutes. They had a number of chances in the 5 minutes after half time but didn't manage to score. When the 1st goal came, Kilmacud’s confidence grew and they scored 2 more goals before the end of the match.
Great game overall with final score of Kilmacud 5-2 Sixmilebridge 2-2
Game 2:
Very even start to this game with ball going up and back for 1st approx. 5 minutes with no score. Sixmilebridge got a point which was quickly cancelled by a Kilmacud score. Sixmilebridge then took control and the Kilmacud defence did really well blocking and hooking to keep them at bay. Sixmilebridge then got a goal despite excellent defending where the player was pushed away from goal. However, the Sixmilebridge midfielder was one of their stronger players and managed to get a shot at goal from a difficult angle which went to the net. Kilmacud the reduced the margin to 2 when a good move yielded a point. Kilmacud also hit the post before halftime but the ball was scrambled to safety by Sixmilebridge.
2nd half was dominated by Kilmacud but alas they did everything but score a goal! Fantastic work in particular from halfbacks through to the forward created many scoring opportunities but credit must go to the Sixmilebridge players who put their bodies on the line...one ran into a shot when a goal looked likely and they also blocked and hooked several efforts to prevent Kilmacud from scoring. Kilmacud got a number of 65's from all this pressure. Both teams exchanged early points. Sixmilebridge did get final point midway through this half when their best player in midfield got a ball and scored when unmarked. Most pleasing was that Kilmacud pressed to the end but the Sixmilebridge defence held out.
Final score Kilmacud 0-3 Sixmilebridge 1-3
Best plays.......... great blocking and hooking by Kilmacud Crokes, especially in the 2nd game.