Minor B's Win League Opener

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La brea idtus an Earraigh a bhi ann

 

A firm but sticky Finglas sod, bright and breezy was the backdrop for the Minor Bs opening salvo in the 2011 League on Sunday Feb 27th 2011.

To view some photos click HERE

As expected Erins Isle, previously playing in Div 1, proved strong opponents.  Playing in 13 a side format, Crokes elected to play against the breeze.  The game started off at a spritely and competitive pace – Erins Isle had a mobile midfield and half-forward line and put pressure on the southsiders in the opening minutes. Some tenacious tackling particularly by Conor J O’Dwyer and Oisin OCarroll thwarted a number of Erins Isles scoring attempts, coupled with strong clearances from Andy Colclough.  The home team then got some neat long range points and it had built up a lead of 0-5 to 0.1.  However Crokes were becoming competitive all over the pitch and as the forward line harried attempted clearances, they unlocked the Norhtsiders defence – plundering 2 goals in 3 minutes – the first one Conor O’Byrne running onto a breaking ball, leaving the defence for dead and adeptly kicking the sliothar into the net.  Erins Isle were still regrouping when Crokes regained possession near the end line and Neil Gorey hit a slick angled finish  to leave Crokes 2 points up at half-time.

 

Notwithstanding the slight wind advantage, Erins Isle were expected to give a greater effort and resolve to restore the advantage – but their resolve was matched by the Crokes lads.  Michael Herlhy was very comfortable under the dropping ball and repeatedly cleared his lines. Centre Half Back James Murphy and the midfield duo of Conor O’Dwyer and Niall Hanley competed effectively and supplied ball to the forward line, allowing the half-forward line forcefully lead by Kevin James Mc Gowan and flanked by Andy Cullinane and Jack O’Brien, to bring play and scores to the other end.  The team was bolstered by strong cover from the u16 trio of Michael O’Dwyer, Odran O Sucru, Donal Keane and ran out worthy winners by 2.7  to 0.8.

 

Team (13 a side): M Herlihy, O O’Carroll, A Colclough, M Collins, J Murphy, CJ O’Dwyer, C O’Dwyer, N Hanley (Capt) (0.2 f-2), A Cullinane, KJ McGowan, J O’Brien (0.1), C OByrne (1.0), N Gorey (2.4, f-.2) – Subs L O’Sullivan (inj), M O’Dwyer, O O’Siochru, D Keane

Hurling Minor.