U8 N Antrim Division 2 Final
Tower Leisure Centre, Ballymena
21st February 2015
Thank you to Ciaran for compiling the report
It was the turn of the U8s to be involved in finals day of the North Antrim Indoor Hurling League at the Tower Leisure Centre, Ballymena. After the U10s success in Division 3 final three weeks ago, the U8s were looking to go one step further as they were competing in the Division 2 final against the Oisins of Glenariffe. The Ógs had narrowly lost to Oisins the previous week but after a good training session on Thursday there was quite confidence of a Brid Óg victory, though a tough encounter was expected.
It was impressed on the boys that as there was only 1 game, that there were no second chances, they needed to give their all for this one match and they needed to on the go from the throw in. And it must be said they listened to this advice and responded fantastically. Right from the throw in they were first to the ball and got off to a dream start when James K fired in the opening goal. Liam and Conor MacE did a great job of pressurising the Oisins’ goal-keeper and defender and the ball was kept in the Glenariffe half for most of the first time. James S swept up any balls that got past the midfield and returned them down the hall. Donnacha in goals was having a rather untroubled opening to the game. James K scored a second goal, but just as Brid Óg were looking comfortable, a strong shot flew past Donnacha to get Oisins back in the game. The half-time whistle was not far away and at the break Brid Óg held a 2-1 lead.
The next goal was going to be crucial and after an even start to the second half James K completed his hat-trick with another strong strike. Concentration had to maintained as there was still time for Oisins to mount a comeback. However, it never materialised and Brid Óg grew stronger and James K rounded off a man of the match performance with his fourth goal of the game. The Brid Óg supporters could finally relax and after the remaining couple of minutes were played out the whistle blew and the young Ógs had recorded a glorious and well-earned victory.
Though James is to be right lauded for his goals today, this was a victory for teamwork. The kids had taken the advice from their coaches over the course of the three weekends of games and training and used it to get a fantastic victory. Today, Liam led the line by keeping the Oisins’ defence and goalie penned back. Oisin took a turn in attack and kept this good work going. They were ably assisted in this by Conor MacE pressing from midfield, and James K swept up a lot of the ball resulting from harried Oisins’ clearances and took his chances when they came along. James S was again strong in defence making some strong clearances and stifling the Oisins’ attacks throughout. Donnacha in goals didn’t have any chance with the goal, but for the rest of the game he was composed and reliable and his puck-outs and clearances were long and strong. The other members of the squad – Ciaran, Conor MacK and James McC each had a turn in forwards and they all had chances to score. Ciaran was unlucky when his shot just crept past the far post. The boys were all congratulated individually for the effort they put in and the role they played today. Many of the travelling Brid Óg supporters commented on how well they played as a team and the kids can all be very proud of themselves. Their coaches and their family and friends are indeed proud of their efforts, not just today, but also during the group games in the previous fortnight. I think they deserved their sweets and crisps afterwards.
All that was left was to wait and receive the trophy from the organisers. Joint captains Liam and James K were awarded the trophy and each player got their own individual trophy. For some of the children this was their first hurling trophy – it should be the first of many. For Conor MacE, James K, Liam and James McC it adds to the trophy they also won for the U10 competition. With two competitions already won it has been a fabulous start to 2015 for Brid Óg and the year looks bright for our teams throughout the club.
Onwards and Upwards. Brid Óg abu
