Skryne U12’s season got off to a start on the 20th February with training on Wednesday nights from 7.00pm till 8.00pm. There is a panel of 25 in the U12’s. Skryne had their first game against Dunshaughlin on the 23rd Feb. Dunshaughlin have been training since January but we never like to turn down any challenges when the opposition asks us to play. This was going to be a tough first challenge and the kids and were going to be thrown in at the deep end. The rules are simple for both spring leagues and challenges. The basics are “One hop one solo”, 11 players maximum both sides & a goal equals one point. This is to encourage kid’s skill at kicking points. Also the introduction to the Mouth Guards was going to be an added addition to the game. This rule was brought in by “GAA headquarters” and must be worn when playing matches or training. If a child were to damage their teeth he or she will not be covered under club insurance if mouth guard is not worn. Please see at the bottom of the report our schedule of games for the “Spring League”
The game against Dunshaughlin was played on the 23rd February at 4.00pm in Fr Mc Manus Park in Skryne. Football conditions were perfect. It was a calm day and nice and mild for February. The teams were split into two even teams. This was their first match for 2013 and the lads did really well. We didn’t keep score as all we wanted to do was concentrate on encouraging the lads and helping them as much as possible. Encouraging the lads is the best self-confidence you can give anybody. Considering the U12’s had only one training session they did really well and if the scores were kept the teams were very balanced. We have to compliment the lads on a performance that was second to none. The lads, managers & mentors all left Fr Mc Manus Park with smiles on their faces.
Our next challenge match was against St Pats of Stamullen on the 2nd March. This was also played in Fr Mc Manus Park. Once again weather conditions were being kind to us. We were still missing some good footballers due to injuries – both Jack Dardis & Niall Moreland. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them soon. We had two panels of 11 with two subs either side who ran in and out during the game. We knew very little about St Pats only that this was also their first challenge game. The lads got off to a blistering start with some great points kicked from Niall Finnerty & Shane Smyth. Sam Hawes was very good in defence. The Skryne lads were very strong all over the field and St Pats really struggled with the speed and pace of the game. Last years U12 really stood out with the likes of Ian Mc Keown, Tom Rafter, David Clarke, Luke Brady, Owen O Mahony, Josh Farrell, Heather Monaghan, Susie O Rourke, James Ward, Kieron Cahill, Sean Whelan & Stephen Corry. In the end it was mostly one way traffic and the Skryne side were too strong for St Pats.
We received a call from Donaghmore / Ashbourne. The next planned date for a challenge was the 9th of March in Fr Mc Manus Park. This time the weather conditions were not as good as previous games and also we were missing Seven of our top players. Some were unable to make it due to injuries and had other commitments, but a lot of the lads were off to Athlone to run for their parish with the opportunity to represent Leinster. The amount of talented young people in Skryne is exceptional and we wished them the best of luck. We had a skeleton crew to play and condition for football was very poor. It was wet, cold and miserable. Every parent’s nightmare but the kids loved it. Skryne got off to a blistering start with some good point scoring from Sean Whelan, Billy Reilly, Alex Grendon & Susie O Rourke. Killian Cullen was very good and layed off some beautiful balls to the on running Sean Whelan. Tom Rafter had a great game and scored a beautiful point. James Ward who was in mid field done really well. The defence had very little to do but when called upon done really well. Luke brady, Sean Corry, Gary Browne, Alex Bartley, David Rathbourne, Josh Farrell were really strong in that defence line. David Rathbourne as usual was there to sweep up all the breaking ball. The final score was Skryne 6-15 Donahmore / Ashbourne 2-3 with the Spring rules this is changed to points which is a great idea and the score was 21 point for Skryne and 5 points for Donaghmore / Ashbourne. Well done to the young guns.
The panel for the U12’s 2013 are as follow’s.
Alex Bartley, Alex Grendon, Killian Cullen, David Clarke, Sean Keogh, David Rathbourne, Owen Conway, Gary Browne, Heather Monoghan, Ian Mc Keown, Jack Dardis, James O Brien, James Ward, Josh Farrell, Kieron Cahill, Luke Brady, Niall Finnerty, Niall Moreland, Sam Hawes, Sean Mc Govern, Sean Whelan, Shane Smyth, Tom Rafter, Susie O Rourke, Stephen Corry,
Our Spring League kicks off on the 6th of April and we ask that parents offer their encouragement. We also would love if all kids could make training on a Wednesday night as this will help develop their skills. This is a really good team and will bring plenty of silver ware and medals.
U12 Games to date to be played (There is a small possibility that dates & time may change)
- 16th March. Skryne vs Walterstown @ 4.00pm. Challenge (Away)
- 23rd March. Skryne vs Ratoath @4pm. Challenge (Home)
- 30th March. No match fixture as yet.
- 5th April. Skryne vs Senchelstown @ 7.00pm First spring league fixture (Away)
- 13th April. Skryne vs Summerhill @ 4.00pm. Spring League (Away)
- 20th April. Skryne vs Trim @ 4.00pm. Spring League (Home)
- 27th April. Skryne vs Clann Na gael @ 4.00pm. Spring League (Home)
- 4th May. Skryne vs Na Fianna @ 4.00pm. Spring League (Away)
The top four teams from the spring league will qualify for the semi-finals on the 25th May and the final is on 1st June. Please support the lads. Training on Wednesday nights and parents will be updated on a weekly basis by text.
Thanks Pauric & Co.
