Ballyboden St Endas from Dublin visited Skryne for a challenge game on the 4th July on a warm evening. It was like a pre Dublin-Meath Leinster Final and the lads were all looking forward to the game. Both clubs were brought into the new dressing rooms and each team was called out individually. They were given a round of applause as they entered the field by a large crowd who had gathered to watch the young guns perform.
Ballyboden St Enda’s have a panel of 84 who are all 10 years of age, and brought their elite 20 with them. With Skryne having a panel of 25 ranging from the ages of 8, 9 & 10 this was going to be a tough game, especially with some on holidays and Alex with an injury. When the games get tough, we have to step it up a gear, and the lads performed really well. All we asked them to do was to mark their players tight, not give an inch, and to play to the best of their abilities, and did they do that. With the game nip and tuck at the start, and lots of play from end to end, it took over 5 mins before Skryne registered the first score. Ballyboden St Enda’s were a really strong, physical, and fair team and both sides played with great sportsmanship. There was a great display of movement and cross field balls. Ballyboden St Enda’s attacked the defence of Skryne and with the Skryne defence working hard they forced St Enda’s to kick the ball wide. Skryne started from defence and worked the ball forward with some impressive passing and before St Endas knew it the ball was in the back of the net. It was a good start for the Skryne men but the back lash was about to happen.
St Enda’s worked hard to keep the ball and made some great running and scored their first point from a good distance out. The next few points came from St Enda’s midfield and forward play. It was a tough battle and with the age difference of some of the younger players the Skryne lads battled hard. It was a typical Dublin-Meath match with some great skill and everybody fighting for the one ball. Skryne and Ballyboden notched up some great points. Towards the end of the first half Ballyboden attacked the play and sent a high ball into the Forwards. Skryne’s keeper was under a lot of pressure and as the ball was pushed from his hands, St Endas sent it into the back of the net. By the time the half-time whistle was blown, it was a very evenly matched game and despite the age difference Skryne played really well.
As the second half commenced, and the lads battled hard and played there hearts out. St Enda’s were still full of running and made some good scores. Skryne U10’s should be really proud of themselves. Not only did they keep the pressure up until the very end, they showed great sportsmanship throughout. They did themselves, their parents and the Club proud. At the end of the game, Liam O Dwyer, the St Enda’s manager (he also manages their senior team), spoke highly of both sides and the way they played. He also thanked Skryne for hosting the game’s and has invited our team down to their club to play a game later on in the season.
This was a day for the kids to remember. At the end of the game there was tea, refreshments, buns and cakes for all, and the big discussion was the Leinster Final in three week’s time. We would like to thank all the parents who helped with baking and making sandwiches and helping on the evening with Tea and Coffee and also Hugh for taking the photos of the match. Without everybody’s help this wouldn’t have been possible.
Thanks
Cormac & David
