Skryne Minors got there Championship of to a perfect start at Sean Newman Park. It was a blustery evening and overcast. According to Hogan Stand Meath Skryne were favourites to win but it was Fifteen against Fifteen and the lads were not taking anything for granted against the amalgamated club of St Ultans, Courtown Gaels & Round Towers. Skryne had to aid of the wind in the first half and started really brightly. Skryne registered three wides before Kian Reddy scored the first point on nearly four minutes. Once Skryne got on the score board Skryne went at St Ultans, Courtown Gaels & Round Towers . Kian Reddy registered his second score from a free that Shane Smyth had won. Skryne battled really well in the half back line and defense not allowing the opposition pass. A lovely ball into Niall Morland saw him register his first goal. Billy Reilly and Nial Moreland registered two more points before the opposition scored on Ten Minutes. Shane Smyth registered another goal while Sean Keogh received a great move to slot one into the back of the net. The opposition was in all sorts of trouble and struggled to keep with Skryne. The defence of Sam Hawes, Gary Brown and Jack Swan stood tall and firm but they had to get through John Finnerty, David Rathbourne and Scott Armstrong. Alex Grendon registered a point while Smyth & S Keogh added two more. Skryne were playing some great gaelic football and the inside forward line of Keogh, Reddy & Morland were playing well with the passing from John O Regan, Oisin Keogh and Grendon work rate was fantastic. The kick outs of Luke O Brien saw their target every time.
Skryne were in a good position when the referee blew half time but the opposition would have the aid of the wind in the second half.
Halftime score
Skryne 4-06
St Ultans, Courtown Gaels & Round Towers 1-03
Skryne regrouped and the management had the team talk. It was a game that was far from over and Skryne still had 30mins to play. It was a fantastic display by the team but keeping focused was key. The second half started and Skryne won the throw in. Smyth went forward and gave a well worked pass to Grendon who hit a screamer into the top corner. This was the start that the lads really needed. Skryne didn’t stop there when Smyth, Reddy and Keogh’s hit some more scores of their own with some fine points. Skryne really worked well as a group in defence and every single player knew their role. The man in the middle Keith Sheerin really allowed the game to flow well and there was some great gaelic played by both sides. Skryne came away with a great win and not alone did the score well with multiple players they defended well as a team. Some young guns of Daniel O Kane, Mark Swan, Rian Mc Connell, Andrew Nolan came on to replace the two Keoghs, Jack Swan and Niall Morland. Andrew Nolan registered his first ever Championship point for Skryne Minors while Mark swan added to the tally.
Final Score
Skryne 5-16
St Ultans, Courtown Gaels & Round Towers 1-07
Skryne minors now have a bye as Trim play Ratoath in Ratoath and Cilles play St Ultans, Courtown Gaels & Round Towers in Pilltown.
The start was what was really needed. Well done to the players and management of Declan Smyth, Padraig Finnerty , Tony Morland & Mickey Johnson.
Minor Panel Back Row L-R, Alex Curran, Sam Hawes, Sean Keogh, Shane Smyth, Gary Browne, Alex Grendon, John O Regan, John Finnerty, James Mangan, Niall Morland, David Rathbourne, Luke O Brien, Niall Finnerty
Front row L-R, Scott Armstrong, Andrew Nolan, Daniel O Kane, Mark Swan, Rian Mc Connell, Kian Reddy, Oisin Keogh, Jack Swan, Billy Reilly
Missing from Photo is Kristoffer Kinsella.
Next game is home to Cilles on the 14-09 @ 2.00pm.
