Last Saturday our U16 Footballers togged out for their third round league play off clash, their opponents St. Judes. On a wet and freezing November Saturday, the conditions would be a huge factor of the outcome of the game.
Winning the toss Towers decided to play with the wind in the first half hoping to get off to a good start. That’s exactly what happened with the hosts putting up scores from Alex O Neill and Lu Heffernan in the opening minutes. The Clondalkin men pressed on and never showed any signs of letting off with superb displays coming from every corner of the field. Corner forward Joey Leech, returning after a spell on the sideline due to an injury, was certainly up for the game and back to his best with darting runs, composure on the ball with a return of 4 points from play in the first half. St. Judes came back with two consecutive scores of their own but never phased the back line with goalkeeper Oisin Douglas commanding procedures every time. Towers domenance was rewarded with a sublime Aaron Whelan catch on the 14 metre line and neatly slotting it home. Further goals from Leech and O Neill made the score 3-7 to 0-4 at the break.
As expected Towers came out all guns blazing in the second half scoring the first five out of six points coming from Leech and midfield Kevin Curran. Again the momentum kept the home team’s scoreboard ticking over and looking very comfortable. St Judes accuracy in front of goal was a factor in the game with 15 wides under their name. Towers cruised on to victory but not before a wonderful Aidan Kelly point starting all the way from wing back.
A top class performance from every single player brought a 16 point victory 3-14 to 0-7. Clondalkin now face Naomh Barróg on Saturday with a place in the play off final this Saturday. All support welcome.
