Under 13 Hurling League Division 1

Kilmacud Crokes A 2-11                                    Lucan Sarsfields A 1-12

On a difficult day for hurling, due to damp and blustery conditions, Lucan lost a thrilling encounter by a mere two points. The game was played at a high pace and intensity with no shortage of honest physicality from both teams. Kilmacud with the aid of a very strong breeze raced into a lead with three early points from play. Lucan responded well though against the elements to level the score through some excellent points from Colm Walsh and Jake Rooney. Lucan’s defence was under serious pressure during this period and they responded accordingly. Fine displays on the day from Sean Casey, Fintan Ward, Cian Duffy and Finnan Breen undoubtedly limited the scoring advantage of the strong breeze. Kilmacud regained the lead midway through the first half with some well taken frees and a somewhat fortunate goal which found its way into the net following a long hopeful ball into the Lucan defence. However, Lucan rallied to add two more scores before the break from the stick of Oisin Ryan and Evin Dowling to narrow the deficit to 1-08 to 0-5.

The second half saw Lucan return to the pitch determined to lay a down an early marker. Spurred on by the challenge Lucan raced into the second half and quickly reduced the deficit to a point following some excellent scores from Evin Dowling, Eoin Power and Colm Walsh. Daire Murphy and Declan Lawlor got to grips with the Kilmacud forwards and delivered outstanding performances in the second half when called upon. Kilmacud responded to this early pressure with a well taken goal, somewhat against the run of play, midway through the second half. Lucan needed to rally again and following a long clearance forward the ball found its way to Sean Balfe who turned the Crokes defence and rifled his shot into the top of the Kilmacud net. The game ebbed and flowed for the final 10 minutes and try as they might Lucan couldn’t manage to claw the victory but they certainly showed great heart and determination throughout. A special mention must go to Ciaran O’Brien who worked tirelessly all day to put in a brilliant performance at wing forward and to Charlie Keher who came out to support his teammates despite being too sick to play.

Lucan Team:

Jake Mooney, Daire Murphy, Finnan Breen, Declan Lawlor, Cian Duffy, Sean Casey, Fintan Ward, Colm Walsh, Jake Rooney, Ciaran O’Brien, Evin Dowling, Oisin Twamley, Ryan O’Connor, Oisin Ryan Eoin Power and Sean Balfe.