Result: 4 09 to 3 11
McDonnell hat trick seals the deal – An Tarbh reports
The Junior C team began their AHL 6 campaign with a win against Kevin’s in Dolphin Park on Sunday morning. A pulsating match finished with a one point win for Ballyboden on a scoreline of 4-09 to 3-11. Evan McDonnell turned in a fine display with 3-3 to his credit, but the foundations of this win were laid on some resolute defending, led by team captain, Conor Maher at fullback.
Ballyboden played with a strong wind in the first half and led by 4 points at half time. Ballyboden began brightly with a goal from an 80m free from Shane Guest in the first few minutes. The teams exchanged goals during the first 20 minutes with Ballyboden finding it difficult to shake off a determined Kevin’s side. An Evan McDonnell goal 5 minutes before halftime put some space between the sides and Ballyboden led 3-07 to 3-03 at halftime. This set up a fiercely contested second half with Kevin’s enjoying the wind advantage. The Ballyboden defence held tight for this 30 minutes and kept out countless attacks. All that separated the teams at the end was a single point.
The team gave an excellent performance throughout the field and all 18 players who participated showing wonderful commitment. In particular, our many minor and ex-minor players were outstanding. Mark Normile, Sean Gorman, Daniel Nugent, Luke Basquel, Sean Choy O’Byrne, Jonathan O’Donoghue all stood up and were counted. Matthew Nolan in goals played his first adult game today alongside Gavin Duff, Shane Guest and Brian Cummins who have been playing a little longer!
Team: Matthew Nolan, Gavin Duff, Conor Maher (0-1 free), Sean Gorman, Tommy Deane, Shane Guest (1-0, free), Mark Normile, Daniel Nugent (0-1), Ger Keating, Thomas Sweeney (0-2), Luke Basquel (0-1), Peadar MacMathuna, David Garry, Evan McDonnell (3-3, 2 frees), Brian Cummins (0-1)
Subs: Dave Gilheaney for Sean Gorman, Jonathan O’Donoghue for Peadar MacMathuna, Sean Choy O’Byrne for David Garry.
Unused subs: Kevin Dooley