On Sunday 1st April the Brid Og u13 hurling team participated in the Glenavy tournament. With teams from Lamh Dhearg, Rasharkin, Tir na nOg, Glenavy, Ballyvarley and Gort na Mona all participating this proved a great opportunity for the team in their first competitive outing of the year. All matches were played in the Go Games format with teams of 11-aside and games lasting 15 minutes with full rules applying apart from no 65’s taken.
For the first game of the group stage Brid Og were matched against a physically stronger Rasharkin side. However, the team quickly settled into their stride and took an early two point lead. In a very competitive game Brid Og always held the upper hand and but for some wayward shooting they should have been further ahead. In the second period they did manage to maintain their dominance and lead to get the campaign off to a winning start.
Next up was the impressive team from Co Down – Ballyvarley, who had defeated the hosts Glenavy by a significant margin in their opening game. The team from Brid Og once again started well, however Ballyvarley registered the opening scores with two fine points from play. Brid Og realised this was going to be a tough encounter and began the fight back by registering two scores to level matters before the break. On the restart, Brid Og dominated the midfield battle which enabled them to open up a 5 point lead with a goal and two points. While Ballyvarley responded with two further points, Brid Og held on for a well-deserved 3 point victory.
With the final game of the league a tie against hosts Glenavy the team knew a victory would secure a place in the A final. However, compliancy set in early and despite having the loin’s share of possession the team was fortunate to reach half-time with a one point lead. The tempo in the second period was increased considerably and Brid Og eventually ran out easy winners, albeit only with a 3 point margin, to secure a place in the A final.
Having already spent 3 hours and played over 45 minutes of competitive hurling (with a number of the team also arriving directly from an u14 football game earlier in the morning) the team lifted themselves for the final and the challenge of Tir na nOg, Randalstown.
Tir na nOg started strongly and registered the opening two scores. However once again the team from Brid Og raised their game midway through the half to level before the break. The one decisive moment however was a 65 conceded just before halftime.
Throughout the second period the teams traded scores and the sides remained level. Brid Og were dominating most of the play, especially in the closing 3 minutes – but failed to convert a number of chances for what would have been the winning score. On the final whistle with the sides’ level on the scoreboard, the “count back” on 65’s conceded meant Brid Og unfortunately lost out.
This was a fantastic first competitive outing for the team who have shown their ability to compete and win as a team. A special thanks to hosts Glenavy, who as usual provided a very warm welcome to all teams.
Well done to the panel of 17 who all performed on the day: Rory Brolly, John Toner, Ryan McArdle, Mark Hamill, Niall Agnew, Ethan Carleton, Phelim Lennon, Ronan Crossen, Tom Dunford, Ruairi Lynch, Conor Erskine, Ewan Rush, Peter Heaney, Ciara Hamill, Ciaran Crawford, Alan Gordon, Thomas McCarney.
