Result: 0 14 to 0 11
The main question as we walked up to the back pitch in Russell Park was whether to bring the jackets or risk it. Those that took the safe option were well rewarded as a strong breeze blew across the pitch for this Division 1 AHL encounter between Ballyboden and hosts St Brigids on 29th May.
Boden started well with Aidan Mellett first off the mark with a nice point having created some space. Brigids responded but Boden were winning the ball well in the half-forward line and giving their full forward line some good opportunities. Influential forward Conor Dooley picked up an injury after five minutes but the pressure continued from Boden. A Niall McMorrow brace from placed balls and a point from substitute James Roche had Boden three ahead at the quarter hour.
Adam Jermyn and Dean Curran were handling anything thrown at the full-back line and both cleared the ball well. Eoghan O’Neill was his usual industrious self on the wing. At this point the wind seemed to change direction and both teams found it a challenge, the sides exchanging a number of wides. Boden finished the half strongly however with a fine McMorrow point from out on the wing and a long-range trademark point from captain Simon Lambert. Half-time 6 points to 4 to the visitors.
The second half began with Boden facing into the wind and strong running by the half-forwards drew a pair of frees that McMorrow duly converted. Niall Ryan, in particular, took every opportunity to attack the Brigids defence. Credit to the hosts, they defended well and intercepted a fair share of passes. Boden kept the pressure up and with the work-rate noticeably raised a few levels, hooked and blocked well, led by Finn McGarry and David Curtin in midfield. Brigids threatened to close the gap but points at key moments in the middle of the half from Paul Doherty, Ryan and Curtin kept some daylight between the teams. The final ten minutes was a frantic affair but three points in a row from Aidan and Cian Mellett meant Boden won the day and stay on top of the league after six matches. Final score Boden 0-14 St Brigids 0-11. Next up is Crumlin in Pearse Park on Sunday 16th June at 10:30 a.m