U12 & U14
Boys:
Nearly 40 Saul players made the
journey to play Castlewellan at
under 12 and under 14 level on
Sunday past.The under 12s really
worked hard in their game and the
management had an opportunity to
look at a number of players in
different positions. Again Tiarnán
Curran was steady as a rock in
goals,and was fronted by an
inexperienced defence made up
largely of our younger players. They
put in an outstanding performance
with Corey Martin, Pearse Laverty,
Cormac Coulter and Conall McGreevy
shining. The midfield partnership of
Tony Molyneaux and Ciarán Harney
worked their socks off against
physically bigger opponents, and
were rewarded by a number of
excellent scores. Up front, skipper
Michael Rice led by example,
creating opportunities throughout
the game. He was ably assisted by
Niall Molloy,and especially Callum
Mahoney but Saul will have learned
that scoring chances have to be
earned, and with more tackling and
blocking, they will surely improve
further.
Next up is the trip away to
Mullaghbán this Saturday (Easter
Saturday) for all our under 14 and
under 12 players with the bus
leaving Saul at 12:30pm sharp for a
5:30pm return - we expect all our
players to travel - contact
management this week to confirm your
place. The trip is free to all fully
paid up members. Players are
reminded that £10 membership for
insurance,and £1 weekly fee for
equipment etc. is compulsory. It is
also compulsory for players to wear
club shorts and socks to all
matches. Club chairman, Peter Craig
has a number of togs/socks in stock
- please speak to him at the
clubrooms if you require kit.
Plans for this week and next are as
follows with all players expected to
attend all sessions:
-
Thursday night
(April 5th) - 6pm to 7pm: Training
at Saul
-
Easter Saturday
- 12:30pm to 5:30pm: Away match v
Mullaghbán;
-
Easter Sunday -
No boy's football;
-
Easter Tuesday
- 4:15pm to 6:15pm: Special
Training session at Saul;
-
Thursday 12th -
6pm to 7pm: Training at Saul;
-
Sunday 15th
-11:15am: First U12 league match -
Away v Carryduff.
Players/parents
are reminded that in 2007, we are
competing in the "A" section. This
involves 2 simultaneous 11-a-side
games every Sunday, so at least 22
players should get a game each week
including some of our under 10s.
The Under 10s train with the under
12s every Thursday at 6pm with their
First blitz tournament of the year
due to take place on April 21st in
Kilclief. The younger kids P1-3 do
not attend until after Easter (Thurs,April
19th to be exact).
As usual, information for all the
club's various teams is available on
the club website
www.saul-gac.com.
U14 Girls narrowly lose out in
Bredagh:
After the U16 girls made their
league debut last week, a number of
those same players formed the
backbone of the U14 girls side that
took on Bredagh in Belfast on Sunday
afternoon.
Favourites Bredagh made a confident
start with an early goal and point
from Rebecca Holywood but Saul soon
found their feet and replied with a
terrific goal and point of their own
courtesy of Saul captain, Rachel
Curran. The strong home side were
further stung by this and a Kiera
Maguire goal and a point from Sarah
Montgomery restored their 4 point
lead as they dominated the attacking
play but good defensive play by the
Saul backs, especially Niamh
McMullan who was outstanding and a
solid midfield performance from
Rachel Curran and Catherine Hamilton
allied to some great Saul team play
were making things as difficult as
possible for Bredagh. Indeed it was
Saul's Rachel Turley who claimed the
final point of the half to leave the
half-time score interestingly poised
at Bredagh 2-2; Saul 1-2
Spurred on by their first half
showing, Saul came out in the second
half full of confidence and this was
apparent as they struck for 3 goals
in quick succession. Connie
Fitzsimons who was making her Saul
debut, fired home a brilliant goal
that fired up the blue & gold
efforts and this was followed by
great strikes from Shannon
Fitzsimons and Rachel Turley to
leave Saul six clear. With a shock
on the cards, Bredagh came back
strongly in the game's final quarter
but had to work hard for their
scores as in the Saul backline,
Catherine Polley, Erin & Cara
Fitzsimons and Orla Holland battled
throughout, making some crucial
tackles and blocks. In the end they
claimed 2 goals (from Eimear Kane
and Sarah Montgomery) and 2 points
to run out narrow winners by 2
points on a 4-4 to 4-2 scoreline.
Apart from those already mentioned
for Saul, Emma Savage performed well
in goals and young Sarah Curran,
making her U14 debut displayed a
great first touch and provided
telling passes to her attacking
teammates to set up a few of the
scores.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable
match for players and spectators
alike. There was some terrific play
from a good Saul team, highlighting
that positive attitude and positive
play brings results. Despite the
defeat, this was an encouraging
performance that leaves the Saul
team and management of Irene
Fitzsimons, Margaret Laverty and
Anne Hamilton confident for future
matches.
Training for the U14 Girls, along
with the U12 and U16's girls
continues on Wednesday evening at
6.15pm sharp. Note that there will
be no training on Easter Sunday but
all the girls will be back in
training the following Wednesday
again at 6.15 pm , in preparation
for the next U16 girls league game
at home to Loughinisland on Sunday,
April 15th. The U14 girls next match
is on April 22nd away to Burren and
the U12 girls who are training well
start their league season at home to
Saval in the week of May 6th.
Reserves fall again:
Missing a few of the regulars, Saul
still managed to field strongly at
home to Kilclief on Sunday at sunny
St Patricks Park but overall a
rustiness in front of goals and some
defensive lapses led to their 3rd
defeat of the campaign. Despite the
defeat, there were good performances
from Darren Burns who took his goal
& point well, Chris Fitzsimons (3
pts after coming on as a sub), Paul
Craig (0-2) and Paul Ferris and
Conor Fitzsimons (0-1 each).
The reserves have no game next week
but travel to table toppers
Tullylish on April 15th as their
education in the all county reserve
league continues.
