U9 and U10 action from weekend of 2 September 2012
Busy weekend for our U9's and U10's!
U9 Hurlers (KC2) v Ballyboden Sancta Maria, Saturday 1 September 2012
On a lovely sunny morning which was perfect for hurling, KC2 took on their old rivals in Ballyboden in Sancta Maria. KC2 emerged winners on an overall score of 41 to 27, winning two matches and narrowly losing the third. Crokes won one match by a margin of 17 to 14, having built up a 13 nil lead at half time. A great save by the Crokes goalkeeper ensured that we won the second game 12-10 in what a very closely contested and tight affair. In the third game, Crokes had alot of the play but failed to convert their possession into scores and lost by the tightest of margins (15-14).
The mentors were very happy with the performance of all the lads and continue to encourage them to focus on the skills and enjoyment.
U9 Hurlers (KCH1) v NA FIANNA, OATLANDS, Saturday , 01 September 2012
The good weather arrived in time for KCH1 U9 hurlers to resume their Go-Game calendar. Last Saturday saw the return of a Northside club for the first time in quite a while and the boys were relishing a tough challenge. As it turned out, however, all the extra training over the Summer holidays paid off in spades. Our lads have really increased their skill levels particularly in respect of lifting the ball on the move and when under pressure. In the end, all three panels ran out comfortable winners although in one match, there might have been a drop-off in focus at the start of the second half which allowed the visitors to come back a bit. However, Crokes once again took control and closed out the game. This should be a lesson to never become complacent – there will be tougher challenges ahead and Na Fianna themselves will also improve as the year progresses. Nonetheless, a great display by all of our under 9s.
RESULTS
KCH1 NA FIANNA
MATCH 1 23 0
MATCH 2 16 7
MATCH 3 32 1
Under 10's
Panel A travelled to Faughs on Saturday 1st September. It was the first game back after the summer break and we were down a few players but it was a beautiful morning for hurling and Tymon Park was in good nick. Team 1 had a cracking match coming out eventual winners in the high scoring contest by an impressive 3-11 to 0-10. Team 2 and 3 were not so lucky and after good first halves were up against a strong wind in the second. Team 2 eventually went down 2-1 to 0-4 (3 points are awarded for a point at this level); while Team 3 lost out by 1-1 to 4-4. Nonetheless there were encouraging signs from all 3 teams of improved hooking and blocking and the boys were not too disheartened despite their first overall defeat in 18 months. Thanks to team mentors Maurice Kelly, Mark Lohan and Alan Balmaine for their help on the morning. Ferdia Marnell
Panel B team 1 V Naomh Barrog 1st Sept 2012 managed by Frank & Michael.
First game of the season started in a sunny Deerpark with a full squad returning from the summer break.
From the throw in Crokes took quick possession, Mark Murphy in mid field quickly gather the ball and drove it long into the Naomh Barrog half. Davy Crowe caught the ball cleanly but was taken down, however he replied with a great point from a free.
The puck out was reached by Naomh Barrow but the ball was dispossessed by Leo Fearon who made a great hand pass, the start of many in this match by him, to Michael Donnelly who was able to launch the ball from just inside the half way line for a great point.
Naomh Barrog replied with their strong forwards, but Robert O Donovan was exceptional in defence as he shouldered off two opposition players to clear the ball to his fellow defender Cian O Cathasaigh. Cian made it look easy as he made great ground, skilfully bringing the ball to his forward line.
Jack Tiernan’s accuracy in his puck outs from goal coupled with his excellent saves kept the score line in Crokes favour going into half time.
A determined Naomh Barrog came out in the second half much stronger. Crokes had to work hard and Cian Donnelly did just that with a great catch from the Naomh Barrog goalie puck out which he drilled straight back into the opposition goal.
Joseph Neary moved to the forward line and was impressive in his ability to know exactly where to be positioned to receive some hard balls from mid field.
An impressive win in their opening game and it was clear that this team had been practicing and training over the summer months. Looking forward to seeing more of the same in the games ahead.
Panel B Team 2 v Naomh Barrog managed by Sean & Tom.
The oppoisiton only brought 2 teams over so we decided to have Crokes team 2 and team 3 play a half game each. Crokes were very lively in the first half and got into a good lead before Naomh Barrog got going. Some ferocious tackling by the Crokes defence ensured that the home goalkeeper was kept fairly idle in the first half. The Crokes players swapped over at half time when Naomh Barrog started to get more lively. The second half was a much tighter battle with the scoreline not doing justice to the boys from Naomh Barrog. Crokes were victorious by 4-5 to 0-1.