Venue Saint Patrick’s College Ballymena
Date: 15th February 2014
Our U10 hurlers qualified to play in Division 1 of the North Antrim League and our opponents on the day were Belfast side Saint Paul’s, hosts All Saints Ballymena and North Antrim sides Cushendall, Cushendun, McQuillans Ballycastle and Oisins Glenariffe.
Our first game was against the host team and All Saints got an early lead which they extended mid way through the games. The Ogs tried their best to force our opponents back and when we scored through Niall we had several chances to get the equaliser but found the All Saints keeper in great form.
Our next match was against Cushendun and the Og’s came out of the traps flying and got an early 2 goal lead. Cushendun had their chances as well and got a late consolation goal of their own.
The Ogs did not have long to wait for their third game which was against Ballycastle. Unfortunately McQuillans got an early score and while we were trying to change our formation they scored a second goal. Just at the death of the game when most of our players were in an advanced positions they scored their third and final goal.
Ruairi Og’s were our next opponents and we raced to a 2 goal lead but credit to Cushendall as they came back to snatch a 2-2 draw even though Pearse keeps telling me it was 3-2 to us.
Our fifth game was against Belfast side Saint Paul’s. These games are always tight affairs and today was no exception. The Shaw’s Road side took an early lead but again our “never say die” attitude meant that we got an equaliser and could have won the game although this would have been harsh on Saint Paul’s who had their chances. At least it will be honours even with the class room rivalry in OLQoP school
After a 6 game wait were the players practised their poc fada skills we played our sixth and final game against Oisin’s. We had played them several times in North Antrim blitzes and knew how skilful a team they were and unfortunately their skills came to the fore in a 3-0 victory.
Thanks
Unfortunately unlike the previous two years there will not be a Brid Og team on Final’s day but it must be mentioned that we were the only club to have teams in the first Division at both U12 and U10 level. In fact it must also be mentioned the progress shown in this particular age group as in 1 year they have moved from Division 5 Finalists to competing brilliantly in Division 1 today. Also most of the today’s players will be able to play again at this level next year. Regarding the players they showed a great hurling maturity today and showed no fear in playing teams with the highest pedigree of hurling within the County. All the players positions were rotated today and all 8 of them put in a shift for the club. I would like to thank Owen and Ali for organising this great tournament and wish Paddy and Declan all the best in the final. It should be a cracker.
Finally, best wishes for a speedy recovery to Fintan C who had played superbly at St Malachy’s but was unable to play on Saturday due to illness.
Brid Og Panel
Brian Conlan David Niall Oran Owen Pearse Zack
Brid Og 1 All Saints 2
Brid Og 2 Cushendun 1
Brid Og 0 Ballycastle 3
Brid Og 2 Ruairi Og’s 2
Brid Og 1 Saint Paul’s 1
Brid Og 0 Oisins 3
