Trip to seaside reaps dividends for U11's!
26 May 2013 - U11's do well against determined Skerries
Team 1 V Skerries, managed by Frank & Sean.
With the sun shining and great conditions, the start of the Championship, we were ready to start the summer hurling season and we were not disappointed with a brilliant match in Skerries.
From the throw in Davy Crowe collected the ball, turned and made a great run down the side line to put a magnificent score over the bar. Skerries did not take the score lying down and their goalie pucked a long ball well into Crokes half. However Cian O Cathasaigh was there to collect and had a work hard to clear an unending barrage of high balls into our half. He was adequately backed up by Shane Ryall who was determined to clear each ball and got struck into every play (a point we emphasised at the start).
In midfield Cian Donnelly made a beeline down the side line to strike one of the most accurate shots of the day right into the back of the net, for the first goal of the day. Skerries bounced back and got a consecutive run of scores over Crokes bar, by their notable number 12. Approaching half time we were beginning to struggle but the continued determination of Mark Murphy (who had a particularly good match) in midfield kept Crokes 3 points ahead going into half time.
Second half with the wind behind us we still took nearly 10 minutes for Michael Donnelly to get the first point of the half, from a great run of play, starting with Charlie Owens in defence, who was clever and skilful in his hand passing, resulting in the score. Best decision of the day was to put Mark Kelly in defence, who was outstanding in clearing, hooking and blocking, to avoid any goals from Skerries in the second half. Pado Gibbons in goals pucked the ball consistently down the side lines and the match ended with Sean Delap deservedly getting a goal, by battling off two Skerries players, to drive the ball into the back of the net.
An excellent match with great determination, plenty of skill and great attitude. Looks like this is going to be a good summer of hurling for this team.
Team 2 v Skerries, managed by Mark & Conor
Skerries began the first half with a strong wind at their backs and put pressure on from the start. However, our strong defence led by an in-form Michael Cregg repelled the early pressure and managed to keep the opposition forwards at bay. Dara MacGabhann made some fine high catches at full back while driving the ball up to the lively midfield duo of Owen O’Flynn and Matthew Byrne. Both midfielders got on the scoresheet and put in some great defensive work also. Seamus O’Donnell won a lot of excellent puckouts, from goalie Michael Egan, on the half forward line and distributed well to Ciaran Browne, Luc O’Gorman and Gordon Lenihan. All forwards deservedly got their names on the scoresheet with an overall win for the Crokes against a fine Skerries outfit.