Intermediates give Towers tough battle
Crokes push experienced Towers – Barry stops all round him in goal.
A spirited Crokes side put up a fighting battle to force a strong Round Towers team to a second half win. Crokes led at the turn by 2-7 to 2-4. Round Towers put in a very strong second half performance despite Crokes best efforts. Team was John Barry, Pat Kennedy ,Hugh O Connor,Michael Garvey,Barry Brennan,Richie Fanning,Fergus Monnelly,Kevin Dalton,Willie Ryan (Capt) (0-2), Ronan Walsh,Dara Burke (0-7,3 from play),Mick Dalton (1-0),Peter Clinton (2-0, 1 Penalty), John Ross Hunt,Brian Mahon.
In goal John Barry had a busy time in the second half and pulled of a number of excellent saves, he was very ably assisted by Hugh O Connor who had a great game at full back. He was on a very strong Towers player and excelled in clearing ball and controlling the line. Pat Kennedy and Michael Garvey were alert and active. We welcome Michael back from a long lay off and glad to see he still has the heart of a lion. There were shades of old from Pat Kennedy with one excellent catch.
Barry Brennan, Richie Fanning and Fergus Monnelly did well at the half line. Monnelly hit some wonderful ball and broke forward with a number of neat side steps.
Captain for the day at mid-field was Willie Ryan. Fresh from his training with the seniors we can see the benefit of the fitness levels he has now attained. Kevin Dalton settling in well at mid-field.
The half forward line of Ronan Walsh, Dara Burke and Mick Dalton was up against a very strong half back line. Ronan is back after a broken finger and made a few great runs. Dara Burke had a great game at center and caused a lot of problems. Mick Dalton moved to corner early and was very threatening and bagged a goal in the second half.
The full forward line of Clinton, John-Ross Hunt and Brian Mahon were very sharp in the first half forcing round Towers to tighten up condsiderably in the second half. This was perhaps the best game that John-Ross has played for the Crokes in a long time. We welcome Brian Mahon back after a long lay-off, and expect that his touch will now return over the Winter season.
For man of the match we had a number of contenders, O Connor at full back, Monnelly at wing back, Ryan at midfield,Burke at center forward,Clinton at corner forward and John Ross at full forward. However on the day John Barry on goal was up to the challenge and had a number of excellent stops and two very brave saves. Well done John and congrats to all on a very healthy start.