U-21 Championship Killeavy 2-13 St. Peter's 0-06Killeavy entertained St. Peter's on Sunday in the much awaited U-21 championship clash. St Peter's had the advantage of overcoming a strong St Pat's outfit last week, while Killeavy had a few highly competitive challenge games in recent weeks. All but three of the Killeavy team figured for the seniors at some point this season and the panel looks strong on paper. A very large crowd turned up in Killeavy for a game played in crisp, sunny conditions.Killeavy had the better of the opening exchanges, with Stuart Stokes and Gary Reel showing well in defence. Up front Killeavy seemed to lack a real cutting edge, and despite winning plenty of early possession, scores were proving hard to come by. Paddy Hannaway opened the scoring from a free after good approach play by Seamus Toner. St Peters replied with a fine free before Gerard Byrne got the first of his half dozen points, when Gary Reel fielded a high ball on the square to set him up for an easy point. St Peters levelled the scores before Sean Carroll had a shot for goal that came back off the crossbar. The score of the match followed when Stuart Stokes won a fine ball in defence, and the ball was moved quickly up the right wing. A long ball to full forward Ronan Goodall saw the big man lay the ball perfectly through to the onrushing Gerard Byrne. A goal looked on, but Byrne settled for the easy point. Killeavy were on top, but the lead was never comfortable, however the pressure was beginning to yield scores and three further points before the break gave Killeavy a deserved four point lead at the break. Gary Reel hit the first of those scores after a great solo run. Gerard Byrne then converted a close in free when he himself was fouled. Byrne closed out the half with a brilliant effort from the right wing with his left foot. Half-Time: Killeavy 0-06 St. Peter's 0-02At the start of the second half Killeavy hit some bad wides, recent work on the pitch not helping the forwards cause. Patrick Hannaway at last registered a score, but St Peters were making the most of their possession, scoring three frees to leave just two points between the sides with twenty minutes still to play. It looked as though the game would remain close from this point on, but Killeavy really started to click from this stage on. The misfiring forward line at last started to find their range. Cormac McConville hit an important score before Seamus Toner put him through on goal with a super pass. McConville opted for the point to stretch the lead to four. Toner was having great influence on proceedings now and he set up Gerard Byrne for another good point. James Watters then benefited from a collision between two St Peters defenders to kick a simple point. The St Peters defence was now completely overrun with Killeavy on top in all sectors. James Watters kicked another lovely point before substitute Tony Kelly rammed home a goal to kill the game off. With only a few minutes remaining Seamus Toner picked up on an intercepted pass to run in on goal from fifty yards and seal a great victory for Killeavy.This was a great team display, the entire defence were extremely tight marking and disciplined throughout the hour, while Paul Rocks and Barry McKevitt effectively lorded midfield. Up front Gerard Byrne scored heavily while Seamus Toner created the majority of Killeavy's scores. Killeavy used all five substitutes, and every player brought in was of very good quality and contributed to the victory. Well done to everyone involved and let's hope for a good run in the championship. Next up will be a tough game aganst Granemore or Dromintee in a few weeks. Full-Time: Killeavy 2-13 St. Peter's 0-06Killeavy Team: S. O'Hanlon(B Cromie(50mins), C. Byrne(R. McConville 50mins), C. Quinn, S. Stokes, P. Donnelly, G. Reel(0-1), D. Lee(C. Faloon(50 mins)), P. Rocks, B. McKevitt, S. Carroll, S. Toner(1-0), P. Hannaway(0-2,1f)(T Kelly(45mins)(1-0)), G. Byrne(0-6, 2f), R. Goodall(C. McConville(25mins)(0-2)), J. Watters(0-2). |