St. Colmcille’s got their Rebel Óg Under 12 Group 3 Hurling League campaign off to a strong start with an impressive win over Whitechurch in Carraig na bhFear on a cold, wet and windy evening this evening.
Playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, Colmcille’s showed great workrate and skill to take control early on. Zach Forde opened the scoring with a fine point from play before a well-taken goal from Cayden Ramsey settled a team that enjoyed plenty of possession but were not making it count on the scoreboard. Despite Whitechurch responding with points from Ben O’Shea and Harvey Barrett Colmcille’s continued to drive forward, with Luke Hegarty finding the net from close range to leave the home-side leading 2-01 to 0-03 at half time.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, Colmcille’s raised their intensity and made it count on the scoreboard. Michael Looney converted a goal from a long-range free before danger-man RJ Whitley struck twice in quick succession, putting the game beyond reach. Further scores from Hegarty and Looney capped off an excellent team performance.
Defensively, Colmcille’s were solid throughout, with wing backs Isaac Duhig and Ben O’Leary particularly impressive. Whitechurch battled hard to the end, with standout performances from Conor O’Reilly at full back, Tommy O’Brien at centre back, Cillian McCarthy at wing-back and the lively Darragh Scott who was introduced as a second-half substitute.
Overall, this was a very encouraging display from St. Colmcille’s to secure a deserved victory on difficult night for hurling. Lisgoold await next Monday night in what promises to be another very tough game.
TEAM
1 – Cillian Buckley
2 – Brody Forde
3 – Ollie Roche
4 – Fionn Casey
5 – Isaac Duhig
6 – Donncha Harte
7 – Ben O’Leary
8 – Michael Looney
9 – Zach Forde
10 – Luke Hegarty
11 – Noah Foley
12 – Darren Quinlan
13 – RJ Whitley
14 – Ben Kennefick
15 – Cayden Ramsey
SUBS USED: Eoin Sheehan, Harry O’Donovan & Liam O’Donovan