Graigue Ballycallan U15’s continued their 2020 League/Championship campaign on Wednesday night (5th Aug) against James Stephen’s on the Kells Road. The locals got a good start with a goal from Ryan Corcoran but the home team soon levelled with 3 quick points in succession. From there to the half time break it was score for score with the teams level 1-3 to 0-6 at the interval.
A Billy O’Neill long-range free put a point between the teams in the first minute of the second half. James Stephens then went on a scoring spree with two quick goals and a point to leave a six point gap. From there until the end of the game Graigue Ballycallan battled hard and a penalty won by Ryan Corcoran was converted with a sweet strike to the top corner by Billy O’Neill and points from Aaron McEvoy and Jake O’Brien brought the gap to the minimum.
All 6 backs hurled well against a strong attack. Jeff Neary gave an exhibition of hurling at midfield winning 5 frees in the process which were all converted by Aaron McEvoy who also battled hard with three points from play and Jake O’Brien won a lot of possession in the final quarter taking a point in style under pressure from 3 opposition defenders.
Final score: 2-11 Graigue Ballycallan 2-11 James Stephens 2-12
Team and scorers: Sean McGrath, Ben Young, Sean Roberts, Aidan Comerford, Dean O’Brien, Billy O’Neill 1-1, Pat Purcell, Jeff Neary, Ryan Cody, Martin Brennan, Paidí Egan, James Casey, Jake O’Brien 0-1, Aaron McEvoy 0-9 (6f), Ryan Corcoran 1-0
Subs: Tony Butler, Aidan Cahill, Frank McCluskey, James Brennan, Cillian Hoyne, Shane Cody, Ciaran Murphy (injured), Eoin Cahill
Report by Alan O’Shea