U16s prove too much for Armagh Gaels

In preparation for the start of the Antrim Leagues the under 16s travelled to Lurgan in bad conditions but still came out on tops against the strong Clans team. The team was short some of its regulars but thankfully under 14 players, Donal Prenter, James Gildea, Ross Edgar all pitched in and performed well in securing a hard earned victory. The match was played on a three 20 minute basis, the first third was a drawn affair at 5 points each, the pitch was very heavy but this was still a solid start to the match, the backline of Michael Campbell in goals, Michael Webb and Benny Lee on the full backline and half backline marshalled by Gerry Bogue and Garret Cullen and John Bailie on the wings held them well. It was good to see that Donal Prenter fitted into the full back position allowing Gerry B to roam, John Bailie was moved back from the forward line and showed again how flexible he is and the way he plays The midfield throughout the game alternated between Andrew Sweeney, Mark Salters and Jack Dowling although at the start Clans gained most of the back ball as the game progressed St Brigids gained more of the position in the air and in the ground and this helped to lift the team. All of the forwards at different times contributed immensely towards the victory and although at times the handling and shooting went astray they eventually took a stranglehold on the match especially on the last third. Peter Mooney, Ronan Mackle and Ronan McGrady all worked hard and produced good pieces of play at different times. The central men of Jack D, Mark Gribben and John B when moved forward all proved that when the team played together as a unit that the team works. Owen McCarry scored a vital goal and whether we ever hear the end of Michael Webb’s point we will never know! It is anticipated that it will be like one of those fishing stories with the length of the fish is likened to how far out Michael was when he shot, but for those of us who were there, and the video will prove it, if it is anything like his kickouts he must have been standing on the goal line and threw the ball over the bar! Ronan McGrady did not score 5 goals and 2 points at this time and probably our assumption that he has scored his quota for the year is probably true. Mark Stuart and Josh Lee both came in as corner forwards as did Ross Edgar into the back line and again helped towards the victory. John B got the winning goal and even though the team was chopped and changed and people moved about to different positions they still maintained their discipline and team format. I can’t remember who exactly scored all the points but no doubt the players will tell me and probably add to their tally. This was a good win but is only a stepping stone to the league and we still have a lot to do to ensure that we can take a hold of the South Antrim under 16 scene.