Skryne U12s emerged victorious in their U12 Summer League semi-final played on Sunday last 2nd August against St.Cuthberts. With windy showery conditions the elements did not prevent both teams playing some excellent football and credit is due to the players for serving up a really exciting encounter. Despite the holiday season both clubs were able to field two 11 a side teams each. The two games commenced at 11am and the combined score of both games would determine who would progress to the final.
The large crowd who braved the elements were certainly entertained by some excellent football. When both referees came together at full time it was all even meaning that 10 mins of extra time had to be played. Both teams gave it their all and it was the better accuracy of the Skryne forwards that won the day and saw the lads win out by two scores on a 37-35 scoreline.
Skryne had excellent performances from both sets of players. On one side both Kian Reddy and Aaron Clarke dominated the midfield and ensured plenty of ball into the forwards. The trio of Andrew Nolan, Josh Grendon and Ciara Smyth kicked some excellent scores and with their constant movement and speed they proved to be a handful for the Cuthberts defence. In the 2nd half Billy Reilly who was returning to action having recovered from a broken finger sustained in an earlier round, won a lot of possession and kicked a number of excellent scores. In defence Cillian Moss, Ben Cherry and Paddy Wright tackled and harried the Cuthberts forwards and broke up numerous attacks. In goal Luke O’Brien made a number of important saves as the game drew to a close and with some clever kick-outs he kept the Skryne boys on the front foot.
On the other team, Jack Swan, Cain Flanagan and the excellent Oisin Keogh drove the team forward. With some solid goalkeeping by Daniel O’Keane and strong defending from Riain McConnell, James Mangan and Cathal Lenehan the Cuthberts forwards had to work hard for each of their scores. Up front the movement and accuracy of Killian Cahill, Oisin McConnell, Nathan Chawke and Mark Swan created plenty of openings and kept the score board ticking over.
The players can now look forward to the final against Walterstown on Saturday next 8th August in Pairc Tailteann with a 3pm throw in.
Pat Hawes Under 12 Manager.
