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Weekly Notes - 14th March 2007The Intermediates had their first outing in the 2007 league at home on Sunday. The final score of 2-13 to 2-8 in our favour in no way reflects Éire Óg dominance - the wides tally, Éire Óg 13, Bré 3 is a far better gauge. Further, Bré's second goal came in injury time when it was of minimal import. The game itself was a typical early season one replete with handling and kicking errors but enjoyable for all that, particularly if your thing is hair-pulling exasperation. There was much in the team's performance, however, from which their followers could draw some satisfaction and not a little hope. Its work rate and discipline showed a huge improvement over that displayed in Wednesday's debacle. A panel of 20 players was used and all acquitted themselves well. Supporters were particularly pleased with the performances of younger players, Ronan Hannaway and Dominic O'Brien, who came on as subs. in the 2nd half. Dominic, at centre-forward, showed the way to his profligate colleagues with a beautifully executed long-range point. Eoin O'Neill crowned an outstanding attacking half-back performance with one of those spectacular long-range points which have become his wont. Brian Gubbins was a very effective corner back and both Conor Monaghan and Anto Byrne played crucial roles up front. Willie O'Hagan played well when he came on and was just over the bar with a screamer (high decibels!) of a shot. Craig Smullen, a half-back by conviction, adapted well to his role at mid-field and Darren Hayden played up to his usual high standard at centre forward.'Twas back to Roundwood on Sunday to see our ladies take on the locals in the first round of the league. While the An Tochar team is but a pale shadow of what it was in its halcyon days in senior ranks, it still includes enough players of skill and experience to pose a serious threat to the unwary. Indeed, our defeat at their hands in the corresponding fixture last year had a huge bearing on our fate in the league. The dull, dreary, drizzly afternoon induced a lassitude in the spectators that would have required a contest of extraordinary merit to totally dispel. A very big 'ask' so early in the season. Yet, while the game could certainly not be describes as vintage, there was much about it that one could enjoy. Particular duels intrigued, individual performances delighted and the closeness of the exchanges ensured that it held one's interest to the end. If one measures superiority in territorial occupation and in gilt-edged opportunities afforded, one would have to say that Éire Óg were the better team. However, they seemed to have their collective finger poised over the self-destruct button throughout. With 2 minutes on the clock we were convinced that they had pressed it! The backline, transfixed by indecision, had allowed the An Tochar centre forward to waltz through them for a goal which gave An Tochar the lead for the first time. Éire Óg were rescued by a last gasp point from Caoilfhionn Deeney. Emily Hannay was majestic at centre back and her departure about 10 minutes from the end was a major blow. Maria O'Neill, a most tenacious defender, and Deirdre Walshe were also prominent in the back division. Lorna Fusciardi and Niamh Kelly worked tirelessly at centre-field and held the fort when the energy of many of the others was flagging. Caoilfhionn Deeney, besides her significant contribution to the scoreboard, laid on a supply of intelligent forward-friendly ball to the inside line. Laurie Aherne enthralled with her ball skills and shimmies. She got a wonderful point off her left foot. Kelly Ryder completed what was a very strong half-forward line. NBThe second of the local draws in our Super Fund Raising Draw takes place on Friday 23rd. in the Carrig Orchard at 9p.m. Originally scheduled for St. Patrick's weekend it was pushed off the calendar by the hectic round of activities in Greystones over those few days. |
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