After 2 defeats in their opening 2 football games St Colmcille’s U15’s were going to be up against it when they took the field against an undefeated St. Catherines side on Wednesday evening in Whites Cross. Apart from injured players Ciaran Ryan and Josh Varley, it was the first time this year that the team had a full complement of players available.
St. Colmcille’s captain Alex Flynn decided to play against a very strong wind in the first half and backed up his decision by scoring the first two scores of the game as the home side came flying out of the blocks. A goal from Evan O’leary followed and points form Mark Reynolds and Alex Sheehan had Colmcille’s leading 1 – 04 to 0-0 after 15 minutes. St. Catherines only scored 2 points in the first half and both of these were from frees. A goal from Darragh McGuire following a surging run from Centre back and a couple of points from frees meant Colmcille’s went in at half time 2-06 to 0-2 ahead.
St. Catherines would not go down without a fight and they were going to come out strong in the second half . Within 5 minutes of the second half they had scored 1-01 to bring themselves back into the game.
After a slow start Colmcille’s needed to steady the ship. A point from Joe Atkin who was moved to the full forward line, the re-introduction of Facthna Kelleher to the half forward line and Charlie Horgan’s move to Centre Forward worked the oracle Jamie Murphy and Mark Reynolds were working tirelessly in midfield and the introduction of Joe Arrigan and Billy Cambridge brought fresh legs to team for the last 15 minutes and a superb move from back to front ended with Billy Cambridge pouncing for a well taken goal. St Catherines hit back immediately for a goal of their own but some fabulous defending and a penalty save by Goalkeeper Ronan Aherne kept them at bay and saw his side run out 3 – 07 to 2 – 05 winners.
Team Ronan Ahern, Jack Harte Cian Dunne, Ciaran Tatten, Darragh McGuire, Tom Sullivan, Davyn Maher, Joe Aitken, Jamie Murphy, Mark Reynolds, Alex Flynn, Fachtna Kelleher, Alex Sheehan, Evan O’Leary, Charlie Horgan,
Subs Used: Billy Cambridge, Joe Arrigan