Portarlington 3.07 (16)
O'Dempseys 3.08 (17)
Our U13 Development Footballers hosted their neighbours and old rivals O' Dempseys on Saturday evening.
The scene was set, the sun came out and the rain held off for the battle that was to come.
From the Kick-off these young boys proved worthy of the jerseys that they wore with pride.
The first half was everything you would expect to see in Croke Park, both teams battled hard in attack and defended as if their lives depended on it. The movement of the ball from both teams was excellent, getting around the field, using open space, and working the ball
as units around the field. Both teams kept the pressure on and were cheered on at each score by their supporters creating an echo through the stand which drove the boys on even harder. The half time score of Port 3.03 (12) to O'Dempseys 2-06 (12) was a deserving draw and gave the boys a chance to get a drink and take a breath.
The second half was as physical and as tough as the first, with each side matching score for score. Port creeped ahead by two points mid way through the second half but a goal by O'Dempseys added to the tension. Port continued admirably but O'Dempseys proved more accurate and popped over two lovely points in succession to claim the win in the last few minutes.
A fantastic display and a great game to watch, well done all.
Team
Michael McCallum, Dominik Wyse, Tadgh O Connor, Sam Petriew, Finn Thornton, Oisin McCormack, James Brady, Kristopas Barcista, Tom Maher 0.1, Jamie Johnston 0.1, Sam L (C) 2.02, Eoin Loftus, Luke Hayes, John Emerson, Adam Yarrow 1.01, Paidi Burke 0.1, Jamie Weldon 0.1,
Thanks to Martin O'Connor for the match report
Thanks to Martin O'Connor for the match report
