Aughlisnafin Seniors made it 7 wins from 9 games after seeing off a robust challenge from St Paul's in Annsborough on Friday evening. St Paul's knew a win would bring them level on points and lift them above the 'Fin in the league table. This was reflected in their early pressure to lead by 0-5 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. For the remainder of the half however the 'Fin outscored the opposition 2-06 to 0-3 to lead by 5 points at the interval. A goal and a point at the start of the second half for the 'Fin stretched their lead to 9 points but the defence was then caught out after St Paul's won a hop ball to engineer their first major of the game. Any hope of a threatened comeback by the visitors where then quashed after they lost their number 12 to a second yellow and the 'Fin added a further 1-04 in the period that followed. Despite a player down St Paul's workrate was impressive and their persistence paid off after they won and scored from a penalty. The 'Fin kept the scoreboard ticking over with two more points but the Holywood side finished the game with three unanswered points. Final score Aughlisnafin 4-14 St Paul's 2-11. It was a comfortable win in the end but despite tallying 2-07 in both halves the 'Fin made heavy work of it at times. They also rattled the crossbar twice. Taking the positives from the game, the forward six and both midfielders were all on target and the lads are averaging 18 points per game. That said, more right is being done than wrong but the players know themselves that there is a still much to be improved upon. The 'Fin have already reached their best ever points tally for the whole season at the halfway stage, which is a sound indicator of the massive effort the lads are putting in. Next game was to be against Ballykinlar but that will not be played and so the final game in the first half of the season will be away to St Michael's on Friday 29 May. In the meantime the 'Fin will prepare for the upcoming Junior Feis 7's which will be held next Sunday. Training continues on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.
*Mixed fortunes for our underage teams in the past week. The U12's consolidated their position at the top of division 3 with a comfortable win over neighbours Dundrum in Annsborough. Peter O'Hare and Marc Quinn who have both been rocks in defence so far this season got the opportunity to play at the other end of the field and both were on target. Also well done to our U10.5 players who featured prominently in the game. It is important that these players continue to attend training and the Go Games for their own grade as well for their continued development.
*The U12's also attended the Brian O'Hare Tournament hosted by An Riocht. After tough group games against Saul, O'Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt & Michael Davitts, Antrim they progressed to the quarter finals of the Shield before losing out to a very strong Shane O'Neills side from Armagh. Always good to guage where we are against teams from other counties. Thanks to all the parents for providing transportation and supervision as always well done to the players.
*The U16's lost out to a very physical Kilclief side despite leading by two points at half time. It finished Kilclief 5-18 Aughlisnafin 4-07.
*The U14's were away to Bryansford last Monday evening. As in all the previous games this season so far the 'Fin opted to go 15 aside to increase player participation. Despite a difficult playing surface and a strong downfield wind the Fin led 2-10 to 3-03 at half time. The 'Ford with wind advantage plundered 4 goals and 7 points in the second half with the 'Fin adding 2-2 to their tally. Final score Bryansford 7-10 Aughlisnafin 4-12. It was a battling performance from the lads who worked hard throughout with some great football played. In the end it was 17 scores to 16 scores but the well known cliche "goals win games" rang true. Aughlisnafin (15 aside) : M Croskery, A Flanagan, A Lenaghan, M Flanagan, R Walsh, E Lyttle, B Ogle, C Matthews (1-01), C Murphy, P OHare, S Croskery (1-04), R King (0-04), C Steen, C King (1-2), R Clarke (1-01), Subs: O O'Neill, P Kearney, D McKibbin. Next up is St John's at home on Monday evening.
*The 'Fin Ladies had no match this week. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm. Next match is away to Tullylish this Saturday at 7 pm.
*The Year 4's (U8.5's) are in Bright for a Go Games Blitz commencing 10.30 am. The Year 6 players have no Go Games due to First Communion in the parish. All Year 5 & 6s players are welcome to attend the St John's U12's tournament along with the squad.
*The Annual Golf Classic will be held at St Patrick's Golf Club in Downpatrick this Sunday. There are still some tee-off slots left. Its £40 per player including food & refreshments after or £150 per fourball. There will be also be some entertainment later in the evening for all participants, sponsors and club members. A day out not to be missed.
*The Trolley Dash Fundraiser draw date has been extended to Saturday 6th June and tickets can still be obtained in-store at the Fresh Food Centre, Castlewellan or from the Club. Tickets are £5 each.
*Those needing tickets for the Derry v Down Ulster SFC match on Sunday 7th June should get in contact with Orla with your requirements no later than this Friday.
*Lotto numbers are 4,10,16, 20. Noreen Brogan matched three numbers and won £50. Jackpot now £1,950.