Bua leis an láidir

Flipeadóirí Longfort U21 played Colmcille on 12 Nov 2014 in a gritty testing game where both sides cancelled each other out for long periods. With minutes remaining Shane Rodgers made a great run from defence into the Slashers forward area and  made a big turn over sending his gum shield flying in the the clash, one of many great tackles that epitomised  a warrior performance on the night. Slashers began well with Brian Walsh bursting into the game from the throw in and getting onto the score-board with a long range left leg shot straight between the posts. Shortly afterwards Brian Walsh cut through the Colmcille defence to rattle the cross bar with a screamer which rebounded only to be cleared. Colmcille responded well by applying strong pressure through Martin Mulligan, Vinnie Hourican and Barry McKeon on Slashers and going ahead 4-1 through some well worked inter-play to eke a way through a solid Slashers defence led by Adrian Duffy and Ronan Sheehan, Liam Barry and Patrick Farrell. In the 1st half Slashers were working hard and delivering good ball into the forwards but were unlucky with shots. As half time approached some first class play from mid-field into the likes of Andrew Kelly and Niall Kelly suddenly paid dividends with both Kellys and Ruarí Clarke ending up with three points, to go in at half time level. 2nd half turned out to be as tightly contested again. Andrew Dalton (C) pointed a long free at a key moment from almost the side-line to edge Slashers in front. Colmcille were now also finding it hard to pick off scores and the Slashers mid-field were working tirelessly aided by a trojan Cian Kavanagh and a lively Séan Clarke. Fresh legs were introduced with Shane Connell, Colm Farrell, Kevin Finnan and Daniel Kirby running straight into action and each having an impact. Kevin and Colm picked off a point each where every score was vital helped on by a Ruarí Clarke beauty.  Shane Connell and Daniel made telling interceptions immediately after introduction. Daniel Doherty kept Slashers in the game at a crucial juncture in the match when he pulled off a great save with a perfect clearance. At this point with time running out Colmcille threw the kitchen sink at Slashers but the defence held and our mid-field were all over the pitch. Man of the match, Shane Rodgers final tackle was a feature of how this team performed with blocks, interceptions and honesty. Slashers had eight points on the board to Colmcille's six and amazingly seven different Slashers players got  the scores showing what a solid team performance was on show. This U21 team is a coming team with great courage and commitment. Players like Robbie Clarke, Cian Finnan, Ryan Mangan, Séan Costelloe and Shane Kelly are all ready to pounce when needed. Weds 19th is the next outing against either Fr Manning Gaels or Colmcille again. Cant wait!

Team:

Daniel Doherty, Adrian Duffy, Ronan Sheehan, Patrick Farrell, Liam Barry, Shane Rodgers, Andrew Dalton (C), Brian Walsh, Séan Clarke, Ruarí Clarke, Cian Kavanagh, Niall Kelly and Andrew Kelly.