Cobh GAA Notes 08-04-12

Cobh 3-9 : Mayfield 0-2 :

Cobh U14 hurlers had their opening round of the Feile na nGael U14 Hurling Competition on Saturday in Mayfield against Mayfield. It was a repeat of our U13 Hurling league final, but  on this occasion Cobh came away clear victors, following an almost perfect display by Cobh’s back seven, who limited a strong Mayfield side to just 2 points (both from frees). From the start Cobh were in charge, and dominated the early exchanges but found it a little difficult to build a commanding lead, not helped by a number of dubious decisions by two partisan umpires. To address this, we took up our option to appoint two Cobh umpires, once volunteers were found. By half time we had scored 2-5, with Mayfield getting their first point just before half time. In last years U13 league final Mayfield staged a strong comeback and almost  did enough to snatch victory in the second half, but our lads had learned from that experience, and a determined Cobh side took to the field for the second half, and continued to win the individual battles. When centre back David Coffey had to retire injured, there was a sense of anticipation amongst the Mayfield team and  mentors that they could repeat the league final comeback, but it was not to be, as the re-organized Cobh team, upped their game and concentration even further, and Mayfield, even with some improved possession around the middle of the field, were not able to raise even a single white flag in the that last quarter. Even a late Mayfield penalty was well saved by goalie Christian Field.

In what was just our second match of the year, this was a typical early season display from our u14’s, with lots of determination and effort. Highlights were (a) the defensive display which on many occasions began from the full forward line but overall “hats off” to each of the back six, and (b) our point taking from frees from both Niall  Spriggs and Ciaran Leahy, after Niall moved into  the re-organized backline. Top scorer for Cobh was Niall Spriggs with 1-6. Other scorers, with 1 goal each for Keith Donanchie (rebound) and Sean Hilliard (soccer style), and 1 point each for Adam O’Donovan (powerful run) , Ciaran Leahy (Free), and Louis Kahn (made it look so easy). The lads are now training two nights each week (Monday and Thursday) and this can only improve our touch and sharpness, which was a little off our best, but to be expected at this stage in the season. Next weekend we will play St Catherine’s in the “last 16” match (more details when available). This is the only National Juvenile club Hurling competition that is run, and this year our boys have to fight through the Cork Section for the honour  to represent Cork in the Finals which take place in Dublin in early July. The successful Cork team will be hosted in local homes by GAA clubs in Dublin, much like how we hosted Hertfordshire GAA last summer so our players and families are very familiar with the experience that  awaits the eventual victors.

Cobh 4-8 Western Gaels 4-6:
Having won their opening two challenge games against Carrignavar and Nemo Rangers, the Cobh lads were hoping to continue the run of form against West Cork opponents last Monday. Darragh Kelleher showed great athleticism at midfield throughout contributing an overall 1-6 including a superb solo effort for the opening goal. Cobh went in ahead at halftime leading 2-5 to 1-2 the second goal from William Ireland,winning possession and turning for goal at right half forward. There were outstanding defensive displays from Keith T Donnachie Killian Histon and Adam O’Donovan with Paidi Kearney adeptly swapping a goalkeeping role for wing forward in the second half. Western Gaels put it up to Cobh in the second half leading to a grandstand finish but further scores from Liam Harte and Niall Spriggs did enough for Cobh to seal the win by 2 points. Next up for Cobh is an away game in Tracton on Tuesday 10th.Best of luck lads

Cobh Junior Hurling Result Cobh 0-12 Ballyhooly 0-12