Resolute defending the key to U13 League Sucesss
September 16, 2023
In a wet and inclement night in Ballyclough, last night, Killavullen emerged victorious against Lyre / Bainteer in the U13 Hurling League Final – Division 3 by the sheer will to win, and their extraordinary ability to hook and block, all over the field. Repeatedly, they somehow got a hurley in, with a hook or a block, or their own bodies, or a leg or something to quell the forward momentum of the opposition.
The Final score was 3-09 to 1-03 but that was harsh on our opponents who were very much in the game, right to the end, but in this 13 a side competition, the five backs from Killavullen each put in stellar performances. Lyre / Bainteer had loads of possession in dangerous areas, but did not get a chance to get their shots away, with brilliant close quarters defending.
Our midfield pushed and probed and sent a lot of ball into our forwards, and worked tirelessly all night long, and well, our forwards scored 3-09, but they led the defending from the front. This was a game that kept the large attendance, in the tight stand in Ballyclough enthralled, and it was fitting that the shield went back to Killavullen courtesy of Morgan Curran. His defending all night long was superb, and his clearances telling. Afterwards, in his short speech, he praised the Rebel Og Board, for the games, the Referee, the opposition, his coaches, and his team mates.
Enough said really, and congratulations to the coaches, Tommy O Callaghan, John Clancy, Liam Vaughan and Ger Curran for the hard work that they have put in, on the training grounds. It was very evident that there has been a focus on the hooking and the blocking, and it paid rich dividends.
Thanks to John Hannon for his great photos of the night, and to those who provided the catering at short notice in the community centre afterwards – it was well received, and well deserving.
The panel was;
Conor Vaughan, Cathal O Keeffe, John Healy, Kian Sheedy, Billy Clancy, Morgan Curran (Captain), Ollie O Reilly, Josh Lane, Dylan O Callaghan, Fionnán Murphy, Sam O Callaghan, Dylan Lowe, Ruari Hartnett, Fiachra Curran, Jamie Crummey, Dan Barrett, Aidan O Donovan, Sean Fitzgerald, Seanan Crean and Ryan McCarthy
