U14 Hurling: Castlewellan v Ballyvarley/Ballela
Under 14 Hurling League
Castlewellan Vs Ballyvarley/Ballela
St
Patrick’s under 14 hurlers travelled
to a fast improving Castlewellan
side and came away with all the
points in a tight, entertaining game
of hurling.
The Ballyvarley/Ballela amalgamation
started the quicker with a lot of
possession but numerous balls going
wide of the target. The home side
eventually got to grips with the
game and punished the Reds for their
wastefulness cracking in two goals
and a point. This sparked the locals
into action as they soon added three
points to the scoresheet, two coming
from Patrick Mackin after long solos
and the last coming from a quick
lift, turn and shot from Tony
Hegarty.
St
Patrick’s Michael Downey moved from
full-back to midfield and his move
instantly had the desired effect
with a low drive nestling in the
bottom corner. Points from Patrick
Mackin and Christopher Martin were
punctuated with another Downey goal
that took a wicked bounce before the
keeper and hit the net. The two
sides exchanged points before a two
minute spell before the end of the
half when the teams both goaled, St
Patrick’s coming after a tremendous
run from Patrick Mackin.
Both teams went in at the break
tired after a fast paced first half
in very hot weather, the Reds
content with a narrow four point
lead.
HALF-TIME: Castlewellan 3-2
Ballyvarley/Ballela 3-6
The second half was largely
contested around the midfield and
halfback and half forward sectors.
Both team’s defences were on top
with chances few and far between.
Lisa McCusker was outstanding for
Reds as was Aidan McKernan at right
half-back both severely overworked
at times. Michael Downey and Tony
Hegarty was winning a lot of ball in
the middle, with Patrick Mackin and
Jonathan Lennon showing most
upfront.
The scores for St Patricks
eventually came from the sticks of
Tony Hegarty and Patrick Mackin. The
two switched positions with Patrick
now operating at midfield and Tony
at half-forward. The new freedom to
go forward saw Tony strike 1-2, his
goal crafted from pure determination
to score, evading numerous defenders
to get a three pointer. Patrick
contented himself with two points
after long solo runs out of his
defence. In reply Castlewellan could
manage a gaol and a point but
fought, harried and competed with
the Reds right up to the final
whistle.
When the game ended there were seven
points between the two teams, but
this does not do justice to
Castlewellan as the game itself was
a much closer contest than the
score-line suggests.
FULL-TIME: Castlewellan 4-3
Ballyvarley/Ballela 4-10
The Reds won by taking more of their
scoring chances than their
opponents. However there is room for
a lot of improvement in all sectors
of the field as the tackling and
tracking back that marked some of
their previous games was lacking.
The substitutes who came on for the
Reds all played well with Liam
Stewart, Jack Kearns and Ryan
McCusker adding some competitiveness
to the forward-line. Best for St
Patrick’s were the excellent Lisa
McCusker and Aidan McKernan in
defence, Tony Hegarty and Michael
Downey in the middle, with Patrick
Mackin and Jonathan Lennon going
well upfront and James O’Meara
competing well throughout the
contest. The next league game for
Ballyvarley/Ballela is on Wednesday
9th May away to Liatroim. Players
are asked to meet in Ballyvarley at
6pm with throw in at 7pm.
Ballyvarley/Ballela Team
Michael McAllister, Paul Colgan,
Michael Downey (2-0), Lisa McCusker,
Aidan McKernan, Christopher Martin
(0-1), Michael McKay, Tony Hegarty
(1-3), Ciaran Heaney, Ciaron Davis,
Patrick Mackin (1-6), Jonathan
Lennon , James O’Meara, Peter
Verhoven, Rory McShane. Subs: Liam
Stewart, Ryan McCusker, Jack Kearns,
Stephen Caruthers.
Sent in by Colm O’Neill
