Comprehensive win for the U-14’s in the Summer FL Final

 

Oldcastle 2-12 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 1-2

Oldcastle secured an amazing 6th under 14 title in 4 years with a comprehensive victory over Drumconrath/Meath Hill in the U-14 Group D Final played in Pairc Tailteann (Tuesday 18th August 2015) in basking sunshine.

Oldcastle were kicking into the sun and this made it difficult when trying to pin point a pass, but this did not stop Cillian Connell from opening the scoring. Midfielder James McCluskey made a great run and following a inter change of passes the ball was back with James who slotted over the bar. Drumconrath/Meath Hill attacked and a hopeful ball into the Oldcastle goal mouth somehow ended up in the net.
The response from Oldcastle was immediate. The ball was moved quickly up the field and after some great play from Conor Hetherton and Colin Hawdon the ball fell to Jack McDonnell Fox who finished to the net within 30 seconds of the goal at the other end. Colin Hawdon was on fire in the full forward line and was causing chaos amongst the Drumconrath/Meath Hill defence and adding another point.
Oldcastle could have had 2 more goals but both attempts were cleared of the line.
Conor Smith and Louis Colleran were well on top in the full back line cutting out a number of chances and also their good tackling forces the opposition into fouling the ball. James McCluskey grabbed his second point following some good play by Colin Halpin who had travelled home from Cork to take his place in the half forward line. Pearse Sheridan finished the first half scoring to leave the score Oldcastle 1-6 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 1-0 at the break.

The second half started like the first one with a Cillian Connell point. Colin Hawdon grabbed another score but Drumconrath Meath Hill were not taking it lying down. The Oldcastle defence were working hard with Oran Mulvany doing well at centre half back and goalie Ciaran Healy was outstanding between the sticks. Ciaran made a number of great saves, one of which he decided to use his face to stop.
Oldcastle were using the ball well and there was always support available if a player was under pressure. On one occasion Darren Connell popped up to support the half forwards and coolly converted from distance.
Louis Colleran who has been outstanding in recent games was continuing his good run of form. His strong tackling in the full back line and also his ability to carry the ball out of defence relieved his team on a number of occasions. One such run resulted in Louis venturing into the opposition half and scoring a well deserved point.
Drumconrath/Meath Hill were battling well and played their part in what was a great game of football. Cillian Connell looked set to grab a goal but his powerful shot hit the cross bar and deflected for a point. Colin Hawdon won the ball about 14 metres from goal but at a tight angle. Colin twisted and turned and rifled the ball to the net for Oldcastle’s second goal.

When the final whistle blew the Oldcastle lads celebrated a well deserved victory in what has been a great year to date. A busy week for a number of these players as they hope for more success when they line out in the Under 16 Final v Clann na nGael on Thursday. 2 Cups in 3 Days would be some achievements. Go On Lads You Can Do It!!

The Oldcastle Squad: Ciaran Healy, Conor Smith, Louis Colleran (0-1), Darren Connell (0-1), Oran Mulvany, Aaron Ward, Conor Hetherton, James McCluskey (0-2), Jack McDonnell Fox (1-0), Pearse Sheridan (0-2), Colin Halpin (0-1), Cillian Connell (0-2) Colin Hawdon (1-3), Eimantas Zelepugas, DJ Monaghan, Mark Coyle, Aaron Eager, Aaron Getty, Charlie Lynch, Ben Grey, Cillian Hanlon, Sigitas Balciunas

Photos U-14 Summer FL Champs 2015