Shootout at Oatlands; U13Bs vs Ballyboden, 23 Apr 07

The delayed and much awaited clash between KC U13 “Bs” and the big guns of Ballyboden St Endas took place in Oatlands last Monday evening.

In a stirring encounter the Crokes boys finally ousted the Rathfarnham lads by 2.6 to 0.5. But, as is often the case, the 7 point margin did not reflect the nip & tuck affair of this match – right up to 2 mins from the end this game was in the balance but significantly the local lads finished stronger. The victory was a testament to their battling credentials.

After a tight 1st half, where defences dominated, it was 0.2 to 0.2; Ballyboden got into the lead and threatened – but throughout the half Crokes were competitive on most of their positions and they came into the ascendancy. This was a precursor to the score of the night; Conor Devins won the sliothar 45 metres out and with his trademark stride galloped thru the Ballyboden defence, seeing a gap, he took aim and pulled the trigger – an unstoppable shot from 30 metres. Crokes were now in the lead and the driving seat. It still required resolute defending and a save of a 20m free to preserve that lead.With time running out Crokes got the critical 3 point cushion with some lovely points from distance – the match was sealed with an opportunistic strike from Cormac Spain on the edge of square.

Ballyboden’s capable forward line were shackled to 5 points for the entire match – Cian MacGabhann reigned supreme in nets again; Conor Sweeny was again the rock on which the opposition attacks floundered. Captain Mark Mannion , once focussed, was tigerish in his commitment, whilst Andrew Colclough minded the other flank.

Another intense and skilful performance from Oisin O’Rorke, imperiously commanding centre half – flanked by Michael O’Dwyer who gave a trademark Duracell (non-stop) performance; working in close alliance with older brother Conor , the 2nd O’Dwyer dynamo, who mopped up everything going in midfield – mixing his play with telling ground strokes.On the other flank Hugh Gowing put his speed and fitness to great effect as the match went on. Throughout the game the other midfielder Conor Devins  won possession and made critical forays. Conor Bridgefield, fáilte roimhe ar ais, showed great natural skill and coolness under pressure throughout.

Right Half forward Philip O’Shea made speedy inroads down the flank giving 110%. At Centre Forward Dara O’Gallchobhair lead the attack by example and on the left flank CMac was creating havoc. The inside forwards Tomas Barry, Cormac Spain and Eoghan Dohery kept the strong backline under pressure and ultimately broke thru with the match clinching goal. Sam McNally brought his tenacious training form to bear in the second half and created  problems for the Ballyboden defence.

Supplemented by some fine U12s the KC “Bs” had maintained their 100% record in Div1. Final Score: Kilmacud Crokes “Bs” 2.6 Ballyboden St Endas 0.5

Squad: Conor Sweeney, Conor Bridgefield, Andrew Colclough, Mark Mannion (Capt), Conor O’Dwyer (0.1), Conor Devins (1.3) , Hugh Gowing, Oisin O’Rorke (0.1), PhilipO’Shea, Cormac Spain (1.0), Eoghan O’Doherty, Sam McNally, Tomas Barry (U12s) Cian MacGabhann, Dara O’Gallchobhair (0.1), Michael O’Dwyer

For images of this match click on the photo above, or click HERE