U13A's beat Cuala, 17 Apr 2007
U13 “As” bounce back versus Cuala.
A fine spring evening and Deerpark (Top Pitch) was the setting for a competitive game of Hurling between KC U13 “As” and Cuala last Tuesday Evening.
A scoreline of 4-06 to 0-05 didn’t do justice to the contribution and effort of the visiting Cuala team. This was a competitive match and one where the KC Boys coupled skill with a battling performance.
Playing against the Hill and the wind the KC defence were resolute and tenacious in weathering Cuala pressure. The Crokes keeper was called upon to stop some tricky shots and apart from his fine distribution managed to keep a clean sheet. He was flanked in defence by Conor J O’Dwyer who gave a terrier like performance in contesting all traffic his way, Mark Collins similarly forceful in clearing his lines.
On the half-back line both Mark O’Loughlin and James Murphy were very effective in winning ball and launching attacks on either wing. Starting out as Centre-Half, Caolán Conway revelled in repelling attacks coming through from midfield, where Cuala had significant advantage of the wind. Our midfielder Ross McGowan and Robert Murphy got into a rhythm as the half wore and getting parity we managed to get good sliothar up to our forward lines. KJ’s commitment and drive on the right setup chances for the inside forward line of Eoin Ryall, Matthew Mc Nicholas and the speedy JJ Murray.The rest of the half-forward Cian Gormley and Barry Horan were very effective and competitive throughout the match. After Cuala had pointed early on and had a few chances a key event was an Eoin Ryall goal winning a ball 20m on the left, a neat sidestep and a sweet strike to the net. KC tails were up and later Barry Horan had a deft interception near the square to give Crokes a solid foundation 2-2 to 0.3 at the break.
As the wind had died down we knew Cuala would come out battling – but our Midfielders were now on top and after some neat speedy hurling Matthew Mc Nicholas settled 2nd half nerves with a lovely point. Scoil San Treasa stalwart, Robert Murphy was coming through repeatedly and Conor O’Byrne was make great use of space and his speed. Crokes were now on top – Caolan Conway got a nasty injury but was ably replaced by Capt KJ who dominated his centre-half back position.
Ciaran Mc Intyre was operating as a very effective, mobile corner forward causing havoc down the left. Caolán Conway hobbled off the bench into right corner forward to score 2 goals to seal the victory. The match finished with a sublime RossMcGowan point from half-way. Missing the Hollypark threesome of Thomas Campion, Daibhid Corish, Neil Gorey but galvanised with the U12s the KC”As” had got back to winning ways in Div1.
Final Score KC 4-06 Cuala 0-05
This fine match benefited from the healthy attendance and support of parents, rest of the U13 squad and other KC notables.
Team
RossMcGowan (0-2) , KJ Mc Gowan(Capt) , Matthew Mc Nicholas(0-2), Conor O’Byrne (0-1), James Murphy (0-1), Barry Horan (1-0), Eoin Ryall(1-0), Caolán Conway (2-0), Cian Gormley, JJ Murray, Mark Collins, Conor J O’Dwyer, Robert Murphy. (U12s) Mark O’Loughlin, Ciaran McIntyre