Owen Roes 2-9 Rock 3-8

The Under 13 footballers of Owen Roes and Rock put on a fine spectacle under lights in Greencastle on Friday past in the grade 3 under 13 league final. After a nip and tuck 50 minutes it was the St.Patricks who emerged narrow winners.

As in most underage finals the starting ability of the teams is crucial, and it was the Leckpatrick men who started brightest. Cathal McShane had a 3^rd minute free kick, which had accuracy but lacked the distance. Fortunately McShane’s effort dipped into the top corner of the goal to give his side the perfect fillip. Rock struck back with a point from play before Owen Roes want back up field to regain their 3 point lead thanks to a neat Charles O’Doherty effort.

The early exchanges were very even with neither side getting a solid foothold on the slippery surface. Rock got another one back from open play, but it was the O’Neills who shrugged off the physical difference to take the game to the Rock. Aaron Boggs was enthusiastically covering every blade in his corner back roll, supported by the game Kevin Kelly, the skilful Ryan Devine, and the tenacious Stephen Harper.

It was a sharp interception by Boggs that was the catalyst for the next score. Cathal McShane winning and converting a placed kick in the 7^th minute. However disaster was about to strike for Owen Roes. A long ball into the danger zone was seized upon by the Rock forward, who coolly slotted the ball past the onrushing Ryan McAleer in goal.

Undeterred captain Seamus Dooher led by example with a superb 14^th minute free, replicated by the accurate McShane a minute later as the Green and Reds nosed in front. Rock pulled one back in the 18^th minute, but the men from Pairc an Ghleanna were in charge and good work from Conor Doherty, and Ronan McNulty allowed McShane another placed ball opportunity which he took.

Rock were proving difficult to shake off though, and a fine left footed effort put the minimum in it. With the half ticking away Jamie Devine fed O’Doherty who was upended in certain field. Nonetheless O’Doherty shook himself down and sent the ball between the sticks to give his side a 1-6 to 1-4 lead.

As the second half commenced it was Rock that settled quickest, and an early free put a kick in it. A minute later a hanging free was punched to the net by the Rock attacker to galvanise the St.Patricks. The men from Leckpatrick were firmly on the back foot, and another fine Rock score looked to be game up.

This though was a determined Owen Roes side, and another McShane placed ball kept the O’Neills in touch. The Rock boys then sent over another fine play from deep as the game ebbed and flow keeping the big crowd entertained. Ronan McNulty who’s movement was causing consternation, won and converted a placed ball before the same player was involved in a penalty decision as he was hauled down when through on goal.

With only minutes to go of the game, Cathal McShane showed bottle and nerves of steel to neatly place the ball into the corner of the goal to give Owen Roes a narrow lead once more!

Back game Rock and with time ticking levelled it up again with a long-range free kick. With a minute to go disaster was about to strike for the O’Neills. A hop ball on the edge of the Owen Roes square was contested and won by the big Rock midfielder who lashed the ball past the helpless McAleer.

Impervious Owen Roes came back again searching for a lifeline, and McShane narrowed the gap once more. However time was catching Owen Roes up, and a minute later the referee called a halt to the contest to the jubilation of the St.Patricks and the despair of the O’Neills.

Both teams should be commended on a cracking game of football that entertained the crowd on a nippy evening. Rock’s physical superiority handed them the edge that ensured that they emerged victors. However Owen Roes have only 4 of this panel overage next season, and perhaps more will be learnt in defeat than in victory.

Owen Roes: Ryan McAleer, Kevin Kelly, Aaron Boggs, Ryan Devine, Stephen Harper, Seamus Dooher (0-1), Conor Doherty, Charles O’Doherty (0-2), Ronan McNulty (0-1), Jamie Devine, Cathal McShane (2-5). Subs: Sean Dooher for Jamie Devine (30 mins), Michael Devine, Eunan Hegarty, Conor McMenamin.

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