The U16's hosted St Paul's on Sunday morning in wet conditions in Annsborough. The visitors were 2-2 to 0-1 in front after the opening exchanges, Oran Flanagan getting the 'Fin score from a free. A second free from Flanagan followed moments later and Eoin Lundy struck for a goal. Over the remainder of the half both sides added a further 1-3 apiece. Flanagan hitting two more frees and Cathal Murphy also firing over with Lundy smashing home his second goal just before the short whistle. That was to be Lundy's final contribution as he was a pre-arranged substitution at half time having to leave to attend a family function. His replacement was Conor Matthews who had just arrived in time for the start of the second half. It was bit of a juggling act but needs must with five players unavailable for the game. Half time Aughlisnafin 2-5 St Paul's 3-5.

 

The half time team talk left the players in no doubt as to what was required to win the game and they responded immediately with two goals in quick succession after the re-start. Dermy Lavery and Oran Flanagan both on target although Dylan McKibbin made sure Flanagan's effort was in no doubt. St Paul's hit back with a goal and a point to edge back in front by the minimum. Flanagan hit another superb levelling point from play but again St Paul's replied in kind. But that was to be the visitors last score of the game as the 'Fin led by their talismanic captain Flanagan scored nine points without reply, Flanagan giving an exhibition in place kicking with eight frees and Rory Walsh firing over after a neat turn. Final score Aughlisnafin 4-15 St Paul's 4-7. Aughlisnafin: M Croskery, B Ogle, A Lenaghan, A Flanagan, C Haynes, O Cassidy-Dawson, R Quinn, E Lundy (2-0), C Murphy (0-1), O Flanagan (1-13, 0-11f), C Robb, R Walsh (0-1), D Lavery (1-0) Subs: D McKibbin, C Matthews.

 

The defence were superb in the second half restricting St Paul's to just 1-2. Haynes, Lenaghan, Ogle, Matthews and Aaron Flanagan were teak tough in the tackle and supported many attacks. Ruairi Quinn was a towering presence in the absence of his midfield partner Lundy and his strong running in possession was a telling factor. The forwards Murphy, Robb, Walsh, Lavery and McKibbin continually kept the St Pauls defence on the back foot. The standout player on show was Oran Flanagan who scored 11 from 13 frees over the hour. The win lifts the 'Fin into joint second in the league with Rosconnor with the next game away to unbeaten league leaders Liatroim before the league splits.

 

*The U14's won the reverse fixture away to Dromara a few weeks ago with something to spare but on Monday evening Dromara pushed the 'Fin to their pin of the collar. The 'Fin led at half time by 11 points but a Dromara fightback brought them to within a point. Despite the 'Fin being a player down for the last ten minutes and losing another to a black card, a superb goal from Conall King stopped the visitors' momentum. Moments later Dermy Lavery set up Ethan Lyttle for a well worked goal before a superb long range point from half back Rory Walsh capped a brilliant team performance. Aughlisnafin 7-12 Dromara 5-9. Aughlisnafin: D McKibbin, M Quinn, M Croskery (0-1), M Flanagan, P O'Hare, R Walsh (0-1), C Matthews (1-4, 0-2F), E Lyttle (2-0), A Flanagan (0-1), O Oneill, C King (1-2), D Lavery (2-0), R Clarke (1-3, 0-1F) Subs: J McCabe, D Murphy. Next match is away to Teconnaught on Monday evening.

 

*The U14s will attend the Attical 7's tournament this Saturday.

 

*The U12's game against Ardglass was postponed to Wednesday 29th June at 7.30 pm. This Sunday they are away to Darragh Cross.

 

*The Year 4's are at St Johns for Go Games this Saturday at 9.30 am.

 

*The Fin Ladies had mixed results in the past week losing away to St John's but got back to winnings ways with a comfortable win at home to Ballykinlar. Next up is an away fixture against Teconnaught on Tuesday evening.

 

*The seniors missed out on a place in the final of the Centenary Shield after a six point reversal away to St Michael's last Friday evening. St Michaels led 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval and a Breannain McComiskey goal give the Fin the lead early in the second half but St Michaels re-gained the lead and the spoils, a final berth against Bright. Final score St Michaels 1-13 Aughlisnafin 1-7. The 'Fin lost their midfielder Patrick Flanagan to an ankle injury after only 10 minutes and his replacement Shane McCann did well to score 0-4, including a '45. McComiskey added 0-2 to his goal with Ciaran Rice grabbing a point. The club voiced their concern at the timing of the game on the eve of a major club fundraiser but requests to move game fell on deaf ears and it is disappointing that the club and in particular the players could not be accomodated in such a momentus occasion. Good luck to both teams in the final.

 

*The Fin Fun Mud Run held last Saturday was a massive success. After the tremendous feedback from the original mud run the pressure was on to improve on it and this was achieved and more. Thanks goes to everyone who spent long hours organising the event and to those who helped out on the day and last but not least thanks to our participants and sponsors. We will be back again next year so until next time folks. All photos will be uploaded to our events facebook page Fin Fun Mud Run.

 

*Good luck to the Down senior footballers against Longford in the All Ireland Qualifiers.

 

*Lotto numbers last week were 10, 18, 19, 28. No winners. Jackpot £2,000.

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