Minor B's v Ballyboden, 6 Mean Fomhair 2009
The Minor B’s played Ballyboden St Endas B on Sunday morning 6th September 2009 in the first match in this year’s championship. The team had prepared well with friendlies against Crookedwood of Westmeath, Bray Emmets and Ballinteer and confidence was high. The team was sent out with the message not to give away an early goal however that’s just what happened. They rallied well and our backs dominated the first half with superb performances from Brendan Halpin, Emmet Doherty and Sean Boyd. As the weather deteriorated we came back with points from Tom Clarke twice, Karl Russell and two frees from Jonathan Hayes. However in the slippy conditions we conceded a few soft frees which Ballyboden took advantage of to stay ahead. At half time we were down three points on a score of 1 5 to 5 points.
The team went back out for the second half in driving rain and unfortunately disaster struck in the first minute with Boden scoring a second goal. Our backs then reimposed themselves on the match and inspired by a super point from Justin Cassidy from the middle of the pitch we took over. Changes were made to the forwards and Ken Kelly and Conal O’Neill came in and scored 3 points between them together with points further scores from Tom and Jonathan. Jamie Clinton was narrowly wide with an opportunistic quick pull for a goal and Boden repelled a number of attacks. At the final whistle Boden were winners by 2 5 to 0 11. The lessons to be carried forward for the next match were don’t concede soft goals and frees and will be worked on before the Lucan match
The team was - Sean Garvey, Brendan Halpin, Emmet Doherty, Niall Murphy, Stephen Beale, Louis Whelan, Sean Boyd, Justin Cassidy, Eoin O’Dwyer, Karl Russell, Jonathan Hayes, Tom Clarke, Nico Salvino, Keith Hogarty and Kevin Murphy. Subs Ken Kelly for Kevin, Conal O’Neill for Eoin, Jamie Clinton for Nico, John Huban for Keith, Brian McHenry, Barry Callinan, Fionan Motherway, Shane Moran, Niall Hanley, James Butler, Oisin O’Carroll