Final Heartbreak For Under 12's

Monday, January 25, 2010

Our under 12’s finally succumbed to the challenge of Glenshesk by the narrowest of margins in Saturday’s division 2 final, played before a large and noisy crowd in Ballymena which included the club chairman and secretary, whose support and encouragement was appreciated .
Glenshesk came at us quickly from the first whistle in the action packed 10 minute final. Conor Mc Hugh, in defence had his hands full trying to keep tabs on the Glenshesk sharpshooters, while James Morgan in goals had to be on his toes and indeed made some acrobatic saves early on. Glenshesk made the breakthrough when a mix up in midfield left a clear chance for Glenshesk’s Daniel Martin to net from long range giving James no chance. As the end of the first period approached we were getting into the game a bit more and David Kilgore and Leo Morgan were holding their own against the Glenshesk challenge and a few balls were making it through to Harry Kilgore  who unfortunately found the Glenshesk keeper on top form. As the half time whistle approached Glenshesk found the net again with a neatly worked move, once again leaving James no chance.
At half time a couple of positional changes were made and Leo dropped back to defence and Conor moving to mid division, and after a frantic start to the second half David Kilgore played his brother Harry in, to score a fine goal to close the gap. The game had now picked up in pace as we pressed for the equaliser and when David started to feel the pace we introduced our sub Conor Bannon.  Then disaster!! after a melee in mid field the ball broke once again to Daniel martin who fired Glenshesk into an unbeatable 3-1 lead. There was two minutes left and our boys were really starting to play well and a well deserved score from Mc Hugh ensured a nail biting climax. James was standing strong in goals and kept out several good efforts from Glenshesk while the rest of our team went all out to try and get an equaliser. Conor Bannon, Harry and Leo all had good chances well saved in the Glenshesk net before the final whistle blew. The final whistle was met with much disappointment by our fellows who all shook hands and applauded the winners.
Many comments were made on Saturday about how well both our u-12 teams had performed throughout the competition and how they had accepted both victory and defeat in a sporting manner. Well done boys and congratulations to Glenshesk.
On a brighter note, just a quick mention of the St Ciarans school team who excelled in the indoor schools completion last Friday and won the shield beating several schools including Glenaan!!. They hurled well all morning and the trophy was decided in the final match against Barnish (which included a couple of the Glenshesk boys!) , which we won 1-0 . The school team was James Morgan, David Kilgore, Leo Morgan, Thomas Scally, Michael Convery, Patsy Mc Auley, Jack Mc Kay and Aiden Dunne, (Mc H was in maroon and white!!!)
Well done lads.
A and D