Report by Philomena Brennan
All roads led to the South of the county on Monday as the u-16s fulfilled the final fixture of the Roinn A League before the break for the exams. With both sides unbeaten this tie was eagerly anticipated. GBC, who had been victorious at the week-end in the Morrissey Memorial Tournament, showed signs of fatigue in the opening stages of this encounter.
However, true to form they settled into their stride after conceding two early points to Ballyhale, with a fine point from Aaron Brennan followed by three wonderful points from full-forward Jesse Roberts. It was nip and tuck throughout the first half and with Ciaran Hogan making some good runs through the centre, Ballyhale conceded frees which Sean Ryan duly converted.
HT Score: GBC 0-8 Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-8
The second half saw the teams battle fiercely with neither side gaining much of an advantage. Conor Flynn and Tommy Ronan were immense in the GBC defence ably assisted by Tom Dunphy , Luke O’Brien, Adam O’Brien and Ger Doheny. GBC net-minder Stephen Keoghan pulled off two wonderful saves to deny an advancing Ballyhale certain goals.
Killian Egan at mid-field was relentless and his deliveries to the forwards resulted in well earned scores. James Everard was in top form and his well taken goal came after a sustained assault on the Ballyhale defence. David Maher was making searching runs through the opponents defence and Peter Murphy worked tirelessly throughout.
Nothing divided these teams at the break and the game was to conclude in the same manner with neither team deserving to lose.
FT Score: GBC 1-12 Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-15
Panel: S. Keoghan, A.O’Brien, T.Dunphy, G. Doheny, T. Ronan, C.Flynn, L.O’Brien, K.Egan, S.Ryan (0-3(2fs), D.Maher, C.Hogan, A.Brennan (0-2), J.Everard (1-2), J.Roberts (0-5), P.Murphy, F.Lanigan, A.Wall, S.O’Dwyer
As the team now takes a well earned break, we wish all those sitting the Junior Certificate all the best with their endeavours!!