Result: 2-05 to 0-10

Report by Donal Monaghan:
The Junior A team kicked off the season with a hard earned win against a tough St Brendan’s outfit in the magnificent surroundings of the new DIT campus in Grangegorman. In steady drizzle it took almost 10 minutes for the first score and Brendan’s soon led by 3 points to one. Boden were beginning to find their shape and the quick transfer of ball from the middle to Gillo and Cian Lynch ended with the ball nestling in the corner of the Brendan’s net. It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the half with Gillo and Cian causing mayhem. Just before half time a high ball from Gillo deceived the Brendan’s keeper and ended in the net. The Boden backs were on top with Conor Conway marshaling Cathal and Barry in the corners. The half backs of Kev, Seanie and Keith put in a massive shift. In the middle Cob and Tommy who had the upper hand were ably supported by the towering Mono. Up front Lar, Leechie and Sam kept the pressure on. Bagsie entered the fray just before the break to replace Lar who’d come to the ref’s attention once too often.
Boden led by 2-3 to 0-5 at the break.

Despite creating numerous chances in the second half Boden struggled convert them into scores. A series of missed frees and some wayward shooting allowed Brendan’s back into the game. Ross replaced Cian and Conor replaced Sam, both lads had run themselves into the ground. A free from Bagsie and a magnificent 45 from Cob kept daylight between the teams. Ste pulled off a super save to keep us in front. Unfortunately Leechie received his marching orders with 10 to go for a second yellow and Michael Monahan replaced his younger brother Eoghan who had given his all. The last few minutes were nail biting as Brendan’s reeled off three unanswered scores to leave the smallest of margins between the teams. A superb fetch by Ciaran O’Brien from a kick out was the signal for the referee to call a halt to the proceedings.

A great start for the lads who dug deep to hang on. Hopefully the next day our shot selection will improve and we won’t leave ourselves under the kosh for the last 10 minutes.

Squad: Stephen McGrath Cathal O’Dea Conor Conway Barry O’Donnell Seanie Mulligan Keith Sweeney Kevin Cronin Tommy Burke Ciaran O’Brien Sam Lally Laurence Murphy David Leech Cian Lynch Eoghan Monahan David Gilheaney Ruairi Kirwan Michael Monahan Ross McCormack Conor Cowman Allen Kennedy