Following two big wins over Kildorrery and Blarney in previous rounds, the under 12 (2) side went to Watergrasshill looking to extend their lead at the top of the league. On this occasion, the side were short many players and had only thirteen boys available on the evening. The weather was also atrocious. This all meant that this game was likely to be their toughest task to date. This is how it proceeded. Colmcille’s got the first two goals of the game with Zach Forde knocking in both; in the 4th and 8th minutes. Conditions mitigated against any fluid hurling. The game was scrappy and low-scoring. It was the Hill that would get the only two other scores of the half with two points in the 15th and 21st minute.
At half time, the score read 2-00 to 0-02. The home side would have the wind and slope (on the pitch) in their favour in the second half. They also had the luxury of being able to make subs to freshen things up. Colmcille’s had their backs to the wall but they came out fighting. Each player stood up and worked extremely hard for each other in the second period. RJ Whitely continued his scoring form with a point from play to extend the lead to five points in the 4th minute. The game would turn on its head though in the 8th minute as the home side added 1-01 – both were from placed balls. With well over quarter of the game to go, the momentum seemed to be with the Hill. Luke Hegarty though settled Colmcille’s with the score of the game in the 10th minute. Then followed a 10 minute lull before RJ Whitely added his second point from play to leave the score 2-03 to 1-03 in the 20th minute. Eanna O’Brien, who had a superb game all evening, burst through the Colmcille’s defense to score a goal to level things up with two-minutes to go. A draw looked to be on the cards. However, the aforementioned RJ Whitely was fouled as he was about to shoot. The same player, showing nerves of steel, slotted over the free to nudge his side ahead. There was one last attack but a defence where Donncha Harte and Fionn Casey were outstanding all evening would not be breached. Colmcille’s hung on for a narrow victory against a gallant and sporting Watergrasshill side. The side now remains unbeaten after three games.
Team
Cillian Buckley, Brody Forde, Liam O’Donovan, Ben O’Leary, Fionn Casey, Donncha Harte, Zach Forde (2-00), Luke Hegarty (0-01) ,Darragh McSweeney, RJ Whitley (0-03, 1 free), Ben Kennefick, Daniel Cotter ,Ryan McCarthy