Saul GAC Club Notes for week of June 11th 2006

 

• Teams Roundup:
   

  • Seniors: Saul 0-13; Glenn 0-10

Fresh from the close call against neighbours Downpatrick, Saul entertained bottom of the table Glenn on Friday night at St Patricks Park and judging by the early time that the visitors arrived at Saul to prepare for the  game, they were hoping to build on an excellent first win last week over Carryduff with both Saul and Carryduff in their sights in the league. On a perfect night for football, Saul also had their eyes on a must-have 2 league points and had adjusted the backline with Adam King dropping into full-back and Greg Holland moving out to Center half back the main change.
Saul ripped into attack from the off and after JP Burke had an early wide, sharp-shooter Michael Vint opened the scoring from way out on the left touchline with a superb left footed drive after he was setup by Lee Magee and Paul Holland.  Magee then claimed the kickout and picked out Feargal Ward closing on goal with Vint converting the subsequent free when Ward was fouled. Glenn though showed they weren't unnerved by the Saul start when half-back Declan Murtagh pulled a point back for them and then the ploy of leaving Jason Lennon isolated up front paid off when he collected a long ball to level the scores. As the game was furious end to end at his stage, Callum Laverty claimed brave possession in defence and found Lee Magee who's cross field ball was collected by Vint who could do no wrong on the accuracy stakes with a great lead regaining score with his left foot. JP Burke then extended the lead again to 2 after he played a 1-2 with Davy McKinlay to score after a hectic 10 minutes. Peter Farrelly pulled one back for Glenn but a further 4 Saul scores from an on-fire Michael Vint responded to by minor scores from Lennon and Davy Bagnall from Glenn left the half-time score as Saul 0-8; Glenn 0-5. Glenn though had shown they could find the way to goal when a late first half attack needed the Saul crossbar to stop the scores being level at the break.
On the restart, Glenn reduced the gap with a point inside the first 30 secs from Sean O'Hare, followed by further points exchanged between JP Burke for Saul and Colm Murtagh for the visitors. Darren Ferguson was starting to have a greater influence around midfield and after a few wides, Ryan Burns and Michael Vint pushed the home lead back out to 4 points and then  Burns again picked out a fantastic score from right out on the sideline to increase the comfort factor.  Glenn were by no means finished though and they started to pick off the probing passes into their backline and build attacks from deep. 3 points in a five minute spell for Glenn from Colm Murtagh, Peter Farrelly and Davy Bagnall closed the Saul lead back to 2 again with Saul's reply coming from another surging run from deep by the inspirational Donnan Ritchie who used the support of Magee, Ward and Vint to open the winning 3 point lead with 10 minutes to go. Surprisingly this was the last score from either side and although both teams had a few wides in the closing period, Saul held on comfortably enough to record their second win in the league. With the squad noticeably growing stronger as players return from injury, the next few games will be critical and the positive signs are there of a turn in fortune in the league. Next up for Saul is the visit of Atticall on Friday night (throw-in 7.30pm)
 

• Reserves: Saul 5-9; Bright 2-13
   

Bright visited St Patrick's Park on a perfect evening for football. Saul made the best start when Stevie Shields pointed in the first minute. However, things went downhill for the hosts from there. Bright responded by registering three points, before hitting the net to leave the score 0-1 to 1-3. Bright then added a further 5 points before a solitary minor strike from Conor Shields left the half-time score at 0-2 to 1-8.

Bright extended their lead into the wind with a couple of early scores but overall Saul had started the second half strongly and had a Paul Ferris point, followed by a goal from Gareth Casement to show signs of closing the gap. Substitute Philip Cheetham then added a goal and a point, and Paul Ferris and Conor Shields notched up a goal each to grab the lead for the first time for the home side. Bright kept plugging away and netted to keep things tight but Saul points were then added from Stevie Shields, Brendy Curran and Ronan Brady. Curran then grabbed himself a goal, and further points from Stevie McGreevy and Chris Fitzsimons left the final score 5-9 to 2-13, a five point win and a first success for the reserves in the league.

The reserves at this stage have no game on Sunday but all players are asked to train with the senior panel on Mondays and Wednesdays as usual. 
 

• U16's & U14's
   

The U16's championship run came to an end when they exited at the hands of a strong Downpatrick side on Tuesday night. Despite the defeat the team showed flashes of the promise they've shown in the league this year and can now return focus to that challenge.  The U16s have a quiet week this week with a bye in the league before welcoming rivals Bright next Tuesday to Saul.
The U14 side (many of whom have gained greater experience at U16 level this year) were forced to travel to Kilclief last Thursday rather than hosting their neighbours due to the senior game change but even so, ran out convincing winners.
 

• U12's Go-Games v St Johns
   

Saul under 12s and under 10s,had another great day's craic on Sunday ,when they entertained St. John's,who have earned a reputation ,as one of the top underage clubs in the county.Whoever came up with this GO-GAMES concept was a genius.Saul had 2 competitive matches involving all 30 of their players.Parental and coaching support made it an enjoyable day for all.

The Saul players were given brief coaching tips beforehand,by senior player,Callum Laverty,and this seemed to pay-off as Saul showed great workrate and teamwork in both games.Tiarnan Curran and Martán Holland were impressive in goals,and defensively ,Paul McMullan,David Holland,Liam Dunlop,showed up well.Jack Murnin,Cahal Sloan and Frank Starkey created alot of chances from the middle of the Park.In the forward line Ciaran McGrady,Conor Marron,Pearse Laverty,Tom Burns and Nathan Keown worked hard.Overall the skill level and discipline of the lads was a joy to watch.If these young players continue to work hard and enjoy their football,they have a great future in the Blue and Gold jersey.Football for all under 12 and under 10 boys continues at 6.15pm every Tuesday,and 11.30am,every Sunday-players should attend in full Saul gear,if possible for each session.Don't forget to complete the application form for the summer camp,this week,for 3rd to 7th July at Saul.

• U14 Ladies
   

The U14 girls took on Bryansford in Newcastle on Sunday in sunny, hot conditions but nevertheless both  teams produced a cracker where the result was in question right to the final whistle.
Inside the first 5 minutes, with Rachel Curran and Tara Laverty pulling the strings at midfield, Saul took the lead with a great goal from Catherine Polly and then held firm under pressure from the hosts with Lauren Hamilton, Caoimhe Hayes, Roisin Sloan, Orla Kearney, Lisa McMullan, Grainne Laverty and Clodagh Keeling all performing defensive miracles at times as Bryansford pressed with the strong breeze at their backs. This pressure was rewarded finally when they managed a goal and 2 points  only for Saul to reduce that lead to a single point at half-time with a score from Rachel Turley (HT: 1-2 to 1-1). Rachel Curran levelled the scores on the restart with a point before Bryansford found gaps in the Saul backline to net twice for a 6 point lead. A Rachel Turley point and a goal from Natalia Hynds closed the gap  again before a further home goal put the hosts comfortably clear again with 10 minutes to go. Saul weren't finished though and when Rachel Curran pointed and Catherine Hamilton drove to the net there was the minimum between the sides as the clocked ticked down. A breakaway goal from Bryansford in the closing seconds closed out the game for a home win in an even and very entertaining game - Final Score: Bryansford 5-2; Saul 3-4.

Training as usual on Thursday night at 6pm and the girls finish their phase 1 league matches with the trip to Castlewellan on Sunday next.

The U12 ladies had a quiet week last week but have the Carryduff U12 ladies tournament on Saturday morning to tackle. As the tournament starts at 10.30am on Saturday, players are asked to be at Saul for 09.15am. Further details at training on Thursday night.
 

• Table Quiz
   

This Friday sees the second club organised Table quiz of 2006 with a nights brain-taxing entertainment and craic guaranteed in Paddys Barn starting at 9.30pm. Admission £5 with teams of 6 maximum. So come along to try and dethrone the winners last time out - The Crafty Three.