U9's on the road

Kilmacud Crokes take on James Stephens

We had a great morning's hurling against James Stephens on Sunday last. The panel was split into two teams, each of which played two matches against talented opposition.

Team 1

Brendan O Connell
Sam McMahon
Eric McMahon
Jack Power
Peter Egan
Darren Crowley
Hugh O Neill
Mark O Reilly
Euan Lacey
Colm Crean
Daniel Nolan
Joe Quinlan

Game 1: Kilmacud Crokes 5-6 James Stephens 6-0

Everyone contributed in a very close run game. The ability of Kilmacud to score points proved the difference in the game as they knocked off some lovely scores from out the pitch. Crokes looked in control with a few minutes left before they conceded a couple of goals which brought the hosts back to level terms. However, Crokes nicked a goal in the last minute to finish deserving winners by three points.

Game 2: Kilmacud Crokes 11-3 James Stephens 7-3

The score in this match does not reflect just how close the match was contested. James Stephens were deservedly up by a goal at half time and in fact had the lion's share of chances in the second half. However, the Crokes defence was outstanding and kept James Stephens at bay. At the other end, Crokes converted all of their chances and knocked in a number of goals to run out winners by 4 goals.

Team 2

Ciaran Sweeney
Darragh Geraghty
Luke Ward
Joseph McBreen
Darragh Harrison
Robert Breen
Kieran Maguire
Patrick Corbett
Oisin Farrington
William Doherty
Patrick Flood
Jordan Mynes

Game 1: Kilmacud 3-0 James Stephens 3-0

Very close game of hurling. Grass was long due to the rain and not being able to cut it back. This caused some challenges for Kilmacud players who generally go to the ball 1st but the ball did not move far on the ground. Kilmacud kept a goal ahead for most of the game but James Stephen kept levelling the game. It looked as if Kilmacud would hold on for the win but then James Stephen's got an equalising goal with a couple of minutes to go. The game was very competitive and the ball was thrown in a number of times as there was several stalemate situations due to great tussles with no space being conceded by either side.

Game 2: Kilmacud 4-2 James Stephens 1-2

Kilmacud moved the ball around the pitch better in the 2nd game and got on top early. There were less stalemate situations as the Kilmacud team clearly learned to keep the ball moving better. Kilmacud also rose the ball quicker and were striking the ball excellently from the hand. With more air hurling in this game, there were also great blocking noted from both teams. The players worked hard as a team and played well even when moved to different positions as players shared time in goal, defense, mid and forwards.

Overall this was a great trip and our hosts provided tea, sandwiches, cakes etc which was much appreciated by players and parents alike! James Stephens also enjoyed our visit and are interested in playing Kilmacud in the future. The offer of a return visit to Kilmacud was made and accepted.