In their second challenge game of the season St Brigids played Lamh Dearg at Boucher. Having received a bruising at Killeavy the previous week the squad were determined to improve in all quarters. Against a stiff breeze in the opening third it proved difficult to hold the Hannahstown men out of the scoring zone with our half and full forward lines assembling mid-field in the hope of some scraps of ball to break the siege. Lamh Dearg with a major height advantage in most areas of the pitch seemed to gather ball easily from the kick out and despite spirited tackling and blocking from Benny Lee, Gerry Bogue and Conor O`Neill the whistle went with St Brigids trailing by 1pt to 7.
With the wind at our backs in the second period some scoring opportunities did develop and St Brigids were unfortunate to hit the wood-work on two occasions. Points from Mc Grady and Mackle boosted spirits however and at 8 pts to 3 a possible recovery looked on the cards. The remainder of this period however was fought out in mid-field with Ferguson and Dowling punching (figuratively speaking!) well above their weight stemming the Lamh Dearg attack. Campbell had a busy but successful period in nets for St Brigids denying the reds any goals in this period. A well taken free from distance followed by a pointed 45 saw Lamh Dearg pull 11pts to 3 clear as the second period ended.
Into the final third and management decided to leave a skeleton crew in defence and to throw all personnel at the oppositions goals. The pressure did earn early dividends with Mackle scoring from a free and McGrath and Salters narrowly missing from distance. Sweeney, who had been having a busy time in the half- back line, did venture forward for this period and won a lot of ball mid-field to set up most of the St Brigids attacks through this period. St Brigids paid the penalty for all out attack however as Lamh Dearg countered with a scoring frenzy in the dying minutes against a tiring blue and amber side. Falling 2-14 to 5 pts behind with seconds to go St Brigids pulled back two impressive scores – a goal from Ferguson and a point from Gribben restored some pride to St Brigids.
Congratulations to a powerful Lamh Dearg side who were simply too strong for St Brigids on the day and thanks also to the Young Whistler from Lamh Dearg who carried out his duties in a very professional manner.
Performances of note :- R Mc Grady –who took a lot of big hits but got on with the job! B Lee who played well in 4 position including goals and Conor O`Neill who delivered another mature defensive performance.
Man Of the Match :- Andrew Sweeney.
Next Game:- Sunday 2nd April against Bredagh, meet at Cherryvale 10:15 for 10.30 Throw-in.
Postponed League match against Rossa will be played before Easter – date & venue TBA
Sunday 9th April Away to Warrenpoint – leave YMCA 9.15 Sharp.
NOTE FOR ALL GAMES:- BRING CORRECT SOCKS SHORTS TRACK SUITS & BAGS
