It was a great start to the Under 12 Football season for our team, under the stewardship of Mark Twomey and Richard Kelleher, with a final score line of White’s Cross 5-8 to St Colman’s 2-2

Playing against a strong wind in the first half there was some outstanding play in the full back line from Eolan Dill and Ethan Ryan stopping St Colman’s from getting a foothold in the game. The half back line of Sean Twomey, Luke Murphy and Harry Buckley also contributed strongly never letting the St Colman forwards settle. The loss of Ethan Rayn was a blow but Danny Linehan slotted in well to help bolster the defence.

Luckily for White’s Cross Luke Kelleher in goal was in outstanding form making two fantastic saves.  Some strong midfield play from Senan Ryan and Brendan Quain helped White’s Cross take control of the game. Harry Coughlan linked up well with Patrick Harrington to set him up for White’s Cross’ first goal of the day. Assisted by strong play from the midfield and half forwards White’s Cross continued to dominate with Stephen Whooley contributing a well worked goal for a half-time score line of White’s Cross 2-1 St Colman’s 0-2.

St Colman’s fought back strongly at the start of the second half scoring two quick goals. It was during this period that our backs really showed their worth holding out against constant pressure from St. Colman’s. In particular a goal saving block by Sean Twomey helped stem the tide. White’s Cross then rallied with good passing allowing the team to register some well taken scores and secure the momentum in the game.

The introduction early in the second half of our young and upcoming U11’s Robert Docherty, Jack Collins and Eli Hurley showed how they were more than able to hold their own at this level. Their contribution was vital as we had lost Ethan Ryan and Harry Coughlan to injury at this point. The substitutes settled well and contributed strongly as White’s Cross took control of the game and worked towards a well deserved victory.

So a good start to the season for the U12s and special mention must go on the day to Daniel Kelleher who was on fire scoring 2-6 with some especially well taken points in the second half.