U-14 hit purple patch at St Galls.
Following heavy defeats in warm up matches to both Bredagh and Rossa followed by a high scoring victory over St Patricks –Lisburn management were not sure what to expect on travelling to Milltown to play St Galls in the first match of the league last Tuesday.
The team however were full of confidence as a full 24-man squad reported for duty. Scoring chances were hard to come by thanks to a strong cross wind and some stalwart defending by both sides. St Brigids back three of Webb, Bogue and Winters were able to deal with the St Galls forward line more than adequately and formed the platform for the St Brigids attack throughout the first half. A wake –up call for the rest of the team came after 8 minutes as the Milltown men slotted over two points from distance to no reply. Dowling and Leonard sparked into action thereafter and fielded magnificently from the kick outs setting off Ferguson along the left wing. His attack yielded a free which Mackle expertly converted to a point. Within minutes a similar move set Lundy off along the right wing and as he drew 4 St Galls defenders towards him he released new member- Bailey to calmly take his first score for St Brigids. The remaining 10 minutes of the first half was fought out between the 21m lines with excellent examples of tackling and blocking being demonstrated by Mackie, Sweeny and Gribben. On the blow it was two points all with all to play for.
“If it aint broke don’t fix it” was the strategy adapted by management in the second half with no subs being used in the early stages. Benny Lee went close for St Brigids in an attack from the throw in but in two lighting counters St Galls stole a two-point lead. This lead was held for 6 minutes when Mackle again pointed from a free and some forceful and persistent harrowing by Sweeney and McGrady lead to a further St Brigids point. A free to St Galls with six minutes remaining on the clock resulted in a point leaving the score 5pts to 4 with the whistle looming. Josh Lee and Conor O` Neill came on to shore up the defence releasing Gribben, Sweeney and new recruits Cullen and Mc Grath to join the attack. With two minutes remaining St Brigids launched a textbook move. Webb tackled and won the ball in the St Brigids square. He quickly released to Bogue who punted to Gribben in midfield. Gribben unmarked danced around the St Galls half back line. By this stage a score hungry St Brigids half and forward line had swarmed forward leaving Gribben with umpteen options for passes. He chose to go it alone however and hit the corner of the net leaving the keeper stranded. This left and agonising 2 minutes of time to hold on. Despite several St Galls attacks in this period however Salters and the Blue and Amber back line coped superbly.
Final Score St Brigids 1:4 St Galls 0:5 .
Man of the Match: – Unable to separate Webb, Bogue & Winters at the back.
Memorable moment: – Gribben`s solo effort
Thanks to all concerned including the subs and the squad members who did not get to play on this occasion. Next weeks match will be another tough one –away to Gort -Na -Mona
