Skryne Under 12’s took part in the Meath 7 a side finals in Simonstown on Saturday 1st September. Hopes were high after coming through a tough group containing Rathkenny, Seneschalstown, Walterstown, O’Mahonys and Curraha.
Skryne started slowly in their first game against Kilmainhamwood and after going behind ended with a draw 4 points each. Clan Na Gael beat Dunboyne by 9 to 1. Clan Na Gael then beat Kilmainhamwood 8 to 2. This set it up so that if Skryne beat Dunboyne in their next game, Skryne would definitely go through to the Cup semi-final.
In the first half Skryne played better and led by 5 points to nil. However, some poor play in the second half gave away the lead and Skryne were lucky to draw 5 points each. This meant Skryne had to draw or win against a strong Clan Na Gael team. Skryne played their best football of the day but ended losing by 5 to 3 and so were in the shield semi final against Drumconrath which ended in a draw 7 each. Skryne lost in a shootout and their day was over.
Skryne never played like the team did in the group stage the week before which was very disappointing. Failing to score into the wind in all their games was detrimental to their cause. Only playing in fits and starts, there was a general lack of focus and concentration on the day. Having drawn 3 games and lost one by only 2 points, one wonders how things could have been different if the lads had played like the week before.
Panel for the day was captain Tommy Carpenter, Jack Dardis, Luke Brady, Sean Whelan, Tommy Kelly, Bryan Clake, Eoghan Quinn, Colm Doherty, Craig Nolan, Liam Gill, Evan O’Brien, Peter Swan.
