AUGHLISNAFIN GAC CLUB NOTES 6th April 2014

Aughlisnafin Seniors were away to Ballynoe on Sunday afternoon to play one of the Division 3 early pacesetters Bright. The fixture was reversed with Annsborough pitch closed. The 'Fin were missing six players from their recent win over Killyleagh but just about managed to field the regulation fifteen for the game to take place. Despite being understrength there was not much between the two sides in the first half with only two points the difference at the short whistle. Half time score Bright 0-6 Aughlisnafin 0-4. The 'Fin scores coming from James Brannigan 0-2, Ciaran Rice and Sean Willoughby 0-1 each. Bright added a further 1-6 in the second half hour with the 'Fin matching their first half tally of 0-4 in response. Breannain McComiskey, Noel Travers and Chris Doran all getting on the scoresheet and a second point of the game from Ciaran Rice. Final score Bright 1-12 Aughlisnafin 0-8. Next match is away to Ardglass next Monday evening.

The U16 boys enjoyed a run out against their future Section E opponents Attical last Thursday. The league was due to commence this Thursday but has been postponed to Thursday 24th April when they will play away to Dundrum.

The U14 boys are away to Drumaness on Monday night. Throw in 6.45 pm. This will be followed by a game at home to Darragh Cross next Monday evening at 7 pm. The U14's will travel to Pairc Esler on Easter Monday for the Down GAA Féile Peil na nÓg 2014.

The U12's first grading game was away to Drumaness on Sunday morning. It was originally a home game for the 'Fin but it had to be reversed. The 'Fin controlled the first half with wind advantage. The 'Fin scored three goals without reply, Conall King grabbing two and Morgan Croskery with the third. Dylan McKibbin saw his effort smack the crossbar and he had a hand in the goals. Ethan Lyttle and Marc Quinn supported well from their half back positions. While in full back Rory Walsh and Michael Flanagan were in commanding form with midfielder Conor Matthews dropping back as required to great effect. Conall King added a further point before Drumaness got their first score. They had their chances but Conor Donnelly saved point blank to deny them a certain goal. Conall King added another two goals and a point with Peter O'Hare, captain for the game, instrumental in all three scores. Drumaness grabbed their second point of the game in response. As half time approached a rare Drumaness attack saw them forge a goal to give them a fighting chance in the second half. Half time score Drumaness 1-2 Aughlisnafin 5-2.

If ever was there a game of two halves this was it. Drumaness re-grouped and for 15 minutes into the second half totally dominated the proceedings scoring 3-2 without reply to reduce the deficit to one point. Niamh King was just on the field as a sub and with her first touch took a pass from the industrious Peter O'Hare to flight a high ball in for Conor Donnelly to tee up Dylan McKibbin for a palmed goal. This broke up the hosts momentum and edged the Fin four points ahead again. Drumaness weren't giving up the fight easily and responded scoring a goal and two points to take the lead for the first time in the match. It was end to end stuff by this stage and it was enthralling to watch as both teams emptied the tank. Morgan Croskery was moved to midfield and he powered his team forward with a well taken goal and two further points from Conall King saw the 'Fin grind out the win by four points.

Final score Drumaness 5-7 Aughlisnafin 7-5.

Both teams were evenly matched and it was the proverbial game of two halves with wind a big factor. Drumaness staged a magnificent comeback in the second and credit to the 'Fin for the determination they showed to win the game. Conall King scored a massive 4-5 for his team yet Peter O'Hare ran him close for the man of the match due to his work rate and assists in many scores. Dylan McKibbin had an assured debut and marked it with a goal.

Aughlisnafin : C Donnelly, M Flanagan, R Walsh, M Quinn, E Lyttle, C Matthews, M Croskery (2-0), P O'Hare (captain), C King (4-5), D McKibbin (1-0), D Burns Subs : J Keenan, N King, O Maguire, D Murphy, J McCabe, C Walsh.
A second grading game will take place this Sunday.

The U12's will take part in the Mitchels Tournament, after a two year break, on Saturday 7th June.

The U10.5's have their first outing of the season this Saturday when they travel to Dundrum for the Year 6 Go Games Blitz. They will play the hosts and Dromara with both games played as 15 minutes each way giving our players an hour of football. All players to be in Dundrum for 10 am sharp. Joan King & Patsy McComiskey are the team mentors. The blitzes for this grade will run on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

Underage training in this coming week as follows :

U16's, U14's & U12's on Thursday at 6.30 pm in Annsborough.

U-8's & U-10's on Tuesday at 6.30 pm in the Fin hall.

Active Start for U4's on Saturday in the Fin Hall at 10.00 am. Gaelic Start for U6's directly after at 10.30 am.
Cill Mheagáin U16 Girls will train in Dundrum on Tuesdays at 6.30 pm.

Seniors and Ladies training schedules as per their respective Facebook pages.

Well done to U12's footballer Morgan Croskery who came 4th in the skills competition at the County Schools hurling finals day. The 'Fin school which also included fellow u12's footballer Michael Flanagan did very well in their games.

The 49 Club had no winner this week.

Lotto numbers were 8, 9, 14, 22. No numbers matched. R Byrne was the £20 draw winner. Jackpot now £7,200. Tweet

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