Close Battle Goes to Visitors

Advertise • Help • Contact Us • Permissions

Discussions Groups Events Blogs Photos Premium Irish Circle

Edit Profile Friends Requests Messages Updates

Discussions Groups Events Photos Blogs Irish Pubs Local Networks Expat Info GAA Clubs Rugby Clubs Dating Worldwide

Working in Ireland Working Abroad Currency Converter Jobs Ireland Banking Ireland Irish Sites

Info Ireland Vacation Packages Hotels Car Rental Golf Ferries Hostels Day Tours

Irish Name Register Passenger Lists Screensavers Advice & Resources

Irish News Music & Songs Recipes Proverbs e-Postcards History & Archaeology Heritage & Culture Mythology Irish Studies Literature Gaelic

Gifts & Jewellery Books Music Food Heraldry Clothes Other

Irish Voice

Columnists

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Read newsletters

Enter your e-mail address to receive our weekly e-Newsletter:

Irish Voice Entertainment

Close Battle Goes to Visitors

November 1, 2007

By Eugene Kyne

Warwickshire 3-10 New York 2-11

NEW York played the second leg of a home and home affair against the under-17 visitors from Warwickshire, England on Sunday after Thursday night’s game finished in a 3-8 to 2-8 win for the British team.

The first half of Thursday’s game ended close at 0-4 to 0-3, with Warwickshire surging ahead before New York made a spirited comeback. Sunday’s contest began with the team from across the foam building an 11-point interval lead that left the home side forever chasing the contest.

Chase they did, however, and they never allowed the scoreline to deter from the task at hand. They fought gallantly but time ran out with New York going under on a 6-18 to 4-19 aggregate scoreline.

Phenomenal scoring for underage football and a credit to the players, the coaches and the minor boards of both counties.

The game began quickly with chances at both ends. Frees by Bernard Fanning and Shane Carty were successful before Fanning had his second to nudge ahead.

It was the calm before the storm. A long ball into the square was bobbled by the New York defense, and Richard Smyth had the final touch to flick to the net. It was followed almost immediately by goal number two when a three man move that was instigated by Martin Slevin and finished by Patrick Lopaski excellently.

New York had a point from Sean Reilly from play but it was easily cancelled out by Patrick McElvoy. New York had their best period in the next 10 minutes with points from Shane Carty, a free, and another Reilly effort from play.

They sandwiched a long drive to the net by Reilly who was showing constantly, but Liam Scanlon made a full length breathtaking save to deny the Monroe man. The goal that New York needed so badly at this point was denied. Warwickshire stormed up the field and added a point and another gift goal that extended the lead to the half time break 3-6 to 0-4.

Fanning extended the lead with a free on the restart, but it was followed by a prolonged period of pressure by New York at the offensive, end with Kevin Talty taking the best pout of Liam Scanlon twice with piledrivers on goal.

A point from Reilly was followed by a penalty chance when Talty was pulled down. Reilly hit the net with a perfect drive that gave the keeper no chance.

Shane Flannigan tapped over a free from the right side and the lead was down to seven points. The visitors weathered the early storm and replied with a free from Fanning again before Richard Smith took the best out of the New York keeper Talty. He was brave when he came to the full forward’s feet.

New York stormed forward again with Reilly, Flanagan and Pat Keane leading the charge. Flanagan chipped over a free when Shane Hanley was fouled and Carty made a tremendous drive up the center before he buried the ball in the net to narrow the lead even further.

In the final 10 minutes they tacked on a further four points to their tally with a solitary score in reply with Reilly (two) and Carty and Flanagan the scorers for New York. In the final ticks they had chances for the equalizers but it was dogged defensive play that denied them. Time ran out for the home panel, but they left their hearts on the field of battle.

For the winners, Liam Scanlon, Dan Dunien, Martin Slevin, Bernard Fanning and Patrick McElvoy were outstanding. Kevin Talty, Ciaran Slattery, Denis Kilkenny, Sean Reilly, Shane Carty, Shane Flannigan and Shane Hanley tried hardest for New York.

New York: 1 Brian McGovern, 2 Ciaran Slattery, 3 Steve Massey, 4 Pat Hallinan, 5 Conor Hogan, 6 Denis Kilkenny, 7 Shane Dennehy, 8 Mike Keane, 9 Pat Keane, 10 Sean Reilly (1-5), 11 Shane Carty (1-3), 12 Conor Bowden, 13 Shane Flannigan (0-3), 14 Brian McMahon, 15 Martin Linnane. Subs: Mike Reilly, Phil Kennedy, Louis Bruno, Padraig Kyne, James Hannon, Liam Dean, Mike Lang, Mike Tolan, Kevin Talty, Shane Hanley.

Referee: Seamus Collins

Man of the match: Sean Reilly New York.

Share this story: digg this | Add to del.icio.us

Print Save Discussions

Discuss

Email a friend