*MATCH REPORT (Eire Óg Corra Choill vs Milltown Sarsfields, 04/06/22)*

The long weekend brought about Milltown Sarsfields last group game in the U13 division 2 league. Knowing that a win would cement a place in the final, there was an understandable nervous energy in the air. Our opponents, Kildare hurling stalwarts Eire Óg Corra Choill, also needed a win to stay on track for the final.

The game started at a fast pace with both sides attacking strongly. In midfield, Cillian Breslin and Rob Gleeson were working hard up and down the pitch but the ball was not sticking going inside. The EOCC backs were frustrating our attack and closing space down well and launching attacks from deep. At the back, Jack Sex, Thomas Croke and Dylan Buckley in the full back line were under pressure, but consistently managed to get a stick in. Daithi DeLasa was moving the ball on well from centre back but the flow of the game was against us, EOCC scoring 1-3 to our 0-2. The last attack of the half brought a sucker punch goal against us to leave us trailing 2-3 to 0-2 and facing a strong wind at the break.

As ever with this team, when our backs are to the wall, we fight hardest. The introduction of Jayden Donoghue, Kyle Carter and Oisin Moore spurred us on, and our half forward line of Fionn Clandillon, Charlie Lyons and Myles D’arcy along with Luca O’Brien gradually came to the fore and hit a good 1-3. EOCC responded with their own scores but we created a lot of good chances, only to see our efforts frustrated by some excellent saves from the opposition keeper. The frustration grew and, try as we might, the scores would not come on the night, leaving us joint top of the table but awaiting other results in the final round of league matches.

*Final Score: Eire Óg Corra Choill 3-5 Milltown Sarsfields 1-5*

*TEAM:* Ben Crampton, Charlie Lyons, Cillian Breslin, Daithi De Lasa, Dara Fogarty, Dylan Buckley, Eoghan Delahunty, Fionn Clandillon, Gary Malone, Jack Sex, Jayden Donoghue, Kyle Carter, Luca O'Brien, Myles D’Arcy, Oisin Moore, Patrick Shannon, Robert Gleeson, Rory Tobin (capt) , Senan Clandillon, Thomas Croke

*SCORERS:* Charlie Lyons (0-1), Dara Fogarty (0-1), Fionn Clandillon (1-1), Myles D’Arcy (0-1,f), Robert Gleeson (0-1)