U21 Quarter Final v St Vincents – Report and Picture by Joe Roche
On a perfect afternoon for hurling, Ballyboden U21A side took on St Vincents on 30th November in Pairc Uinsionn. Ballyoden made the stronger start when, after a couple of opening points for each team, Gavin Corrigan struck for a crucial goal. Vincents responded strongly to close the gap and for the rest of the half points were traded. Full-back Dónal Butler was in good form and with Jamie Desmond in the centre, repelled most attacks. Half time score Boden 1-4 St Vincents 0-8.
The northside team started brightly against the breeze in the second half but a series of well-taken frees from Colm O’Neill saw Boden pull clear. A crucial score in the third quarter was a magnificent sideline cut by Finn McDonagh who had a fine overall game. Into the last quarter and with Boden two points ahead, St VIncents mounted a strong challenge. Boden stood firm in this period, best typified by a superb shoulder challenge by captain Naoise Maguire, that put a stop to a strong St Vincents run from midfield. This lifted the team and in the end Boden ran out winners on a scoreline of Boden 1-12 to St Vincents 0-13. Next up in the semi-final in a couple of weeks are either Lucan Sarsfields or Ballinteer St Johns who drew in their quarter-final.