U-14’s did not go out with a fight in the Cup Semi-Final
Duleek/Bellewstown 10-16 Oldcastle 9-11 (After Extra Time)
What a game! What a Year! What a great bunch of lads!
A very successful under 14 season came to an end at the hands of Duleek/Bellewstown U-14 Div. 3 Cup Semi-Final played in Duleek on Tuesday (1/9/15), but the lads definitely did not go out with a fight.
The game started in blistering pace with both sides missing early chances to get on the score board. Oldcastle who were missing Captain Conor Hetherton, opened the scoring with a well take point by Cillian Connell. On the 5th minute Duleek \ Bellewstown hit back and grabbed their first goal. Colin Hawdon was causing a lot of trouble for the home sides defence and grabbed his first goal a minute later. Aaron Ward and Eimantis Zelephgas were doing well in defence as was Oran Mulvany who was now operating in the half forward line. The game was going from end to end with Duleek adding a number of points as well as 2 more goals. With 21 minutes gone Charlie Lynch won a ball in the full forward line and an inch perfect pass to Colin Hawdon set Colin free to finish to the net. Darren Connell won a ball from the kick out and straight away the attack was on. As the ball seemed to be heading wide Oran Mulvany popped out and finished in style to the net. Oran Mulvany finish the first half scoring with a point to leave the half time score Duleek Bellewstown 3-7 Oldcastle 3-4.
James McCluskey won the ball from the throw in and charged forward. The ball broke to Colin Hawdon who once again finished to the net. Duleek Bellewstown added a number of early points and looked like they would pull clear. However Oldcastle battled back with Darren Connell and Colin Halpin driving forward at every opportunity. Realising the danger Colin Hawdon was, Duleek Bellowstown dropped an extra man back to directly double mark Colin. This was never going to stop him and Colin Hawdon rose to the task with the next three scores all goals from the full forward. The home side were not to be out done and added a couple of goals of their open to keep the scores neck and neck. Colin Hawdon now had three men trying to mark him but it was one of those nights as the half progressed he added another 2 goals. With everyone on the edge of their seats mistakes were bound to happen but neither side were willing to throw in the towel. Ref Andrew Lenehan over ruled umpires at both ends as the half came to a close and as he blew his final whistle he gave the single for the lights to go on as extra time loomed.
The score at full time was Duleek/Bellewstown 7–12 Oldcastle 8–9
Although the lads had now played almost 1 hours football they still pushed themselves to the limit. As Oldcastle attacked looking to make the break, a foul inside the box lead to a penalty. There was only one man to take it and Colin Hawdon stood up and converted to amazingly register his 8th goal of the game. Duleek Bellowstown added 2 points to leave the half time in extra time score Duleek/Bellewstown 7 – 14 Oldcastle 9-9.
Oran Mulvany grabbed a point to put 2 between the sides. James McCluskey ran on to a bad clearance and gathered the ball about 30 yards from goal. The defence seemed to just disappear and James looked certain to score however the ref blew his whistle and gave a free out. Duleek attacked and grabbed a goal and a point to go 2 points clear. Oldcastle tried hard to get the ball back up the field however the Duleek won possession and finished to the net to go 5 clear. Oldcastle’s heads were now down and as the clock ticked into injury time the home side grabbed another goal which harsh on the Oldcastle lads. Oran Mulvany had a great game in attack likewise with Aaron Ward in defence however Colin Hawdon was outstanding scoring an amazing 8 goals and 6 points. Surely this must be some sort of record in a blue jersey. The lads were very disappointed when the final whistle blew but they can be proud of their achievements this year.
A year that started with success in the Meath Feile in mid February and then an unlucky defeat to Dunderry in the spring league final, a trip to Bray & Carlow on the way to cup semi final of the Feile and of course who will forget the super victory over Drumconrath/Meath Hill in the Summer League final in Pairc Tailteann. A great year that is not over yet as the lads now go their separate ways and hopefully more success in the upcoming under 13 & 15 tournaments.
Oldcastle: Ciaran Healy, Aaron Ward, Conor Smith, EImantis Zelephgas, Darren Connell, Louis Colleran, Colin Halpin, James McCluskey, Pearse Sheridan, Joe Lynch, Cillian Connell, Jack McDonnell Fox, Charlie Lynch, Colin Hawdon (8-6), Oran Mulvany (1-4)
Subs: DJ Monaghan, Ben Grey, Cillian Hanlon, Sigitis Balciunas, Aaron Eager, Mark Coyle,