Result: 3-14 to 1-13
Our Intermediate footballers embarked in a hard fought but very sporting game against high flying St Peregines on a sunny wind swept Santa Maria on Saturday evening. Tough playing conditions for this Div 3 clash .
The objective, while blooding young talented players, was to attain 2 important league points. Boden opted to play against wind in the first half. A decision that proved to be crucial to eventual outcome of the game. Peregrines started brightly and dominated early to get the first score on the board. However this was to be last time time they would lead in this game. Boden’s youthful experience was evident in the first 30 as they game managed into the wind. Boden led by 5 points to 3 when Eamonn O’Reilly finished off a slick team move to the net. He followed with 2 more points. Peregines fought back with a string of points and were looking likely to get a foothold in the game but Boden responded in a clinical fashion. Dara Maguire grafted to get on the end of another great team effort and netted emphatically. This proved decisive to go in at the break points to the good. Patience and cool minds and clever use of the ball was the plan and sent Boden in at the break to 2-07 to 0-08 to the good.
The energy & effort expended on the the first half was only to be dwarfed by the 2nd half efforts. Amazing character displayed for the blue of Boden. “Powerful” Keeper James Power was a rock between the sticks. Apart from making breathtaking saves James was tactically adept and was constantly instilling confidence and organising in his defence. Tenacious and tight marking Full Back line of Dan McGuinness & the leadership of Naoise Maguire flanked by younger brother Fionn thwarted Peregines repeatedly. Half Back line of Hugh Keller scorer a sweet 4th point, Dara MaGuire and Tommy Mcgrath were a launch pad for several attacks while again maintaining a solid defensive structure. Dara Linked with the forward unit and hit the onion bag for a well deserved goal in first half. Midfield Duo of Dynamic High Fielding Evan Flanagan “this guy has some reach” and Liam Flaherty controlled the the area, Liam’s stripping ball time and time again while Evans aerial prowess impressed. This duo were the “link” and established a great platform to launch many productive attack. Our half forward line of Eamonn O’Reilly, Aidan Mellett and Finn McGarry. Debutant Finn kept opposition guessing throughout and assisted in many Boden offensive endeavours and kept Peregines on the back-foot. Experienced Eamonn a natural leader, motivated and inspired all around him for long periods of the game and was rewarded with a very impressive tally of 2-06 for his gargantuan effort. Aidan, another debutant was a revelation. He displayed exceptional qualities and is a promising player for the future.
On the inside an effective full forward line Sean O’Shea, Daire Shovlin & Colm Humphries. Sean won targeted ball and used it creatively. Daire used all his experience in marshalling the line creating and bagged 3 points for his efforts. Colm hassled and harried tirelessly throughout and certainly revelled in the role. Josh came in replacement for Naoise and led the line tirelessly up front to secure the points. The effort and energy expended in the jersey was inspirational for all who witnessed.
A couple of well earned points !!
Final Score Boden 3-14 Peregines 1-13