*Baile an Locha minors had to battle to the end to earn a five point win away to Saul in their opening group game of the All County Minor Football Championship. The Loch led 2-07 to 2-02 at half time courtesy of two goals just before the interval which was the difference in the end. In the second half there was nothing between the sides as the Loch added a further 1-06 with Saul scoring 2-03. The wet conditions made for some uncomfortable moments for both teams but the Loch players acquitted themselves see off a late Saul fightback to defend their half time lead to get over the line. The lads will take plenty of positives from the result but know all too well it won't get any easier.
Next up is a home game next Tuesday against RGU Downpatrick, U16 championship finalists two years ago, and very experienced at this level. The Loch will face the toughest test of their credentials this season so far.
*Our U16's league campaign finished last week and they were confirmed as East Down U16A runners up. They now look to the challenge of the U16A Championship were they are away to Castlewellan this Thursday, followed by home games against St Johns/Dundrum and Saul in the following two weeks.
*The U14's were at home to a physically stronger Kilclief side in their second championship game. This was the third meeting of the two clubs having met twice previously in the league. Kilclief won both league meetings by 28 and 16 points respectively. On Wednesday evening the 'Fin lost a very competitive game by the minimum. This shows massive strides have been made in improvement as a team. Kilclief led 1-7 to 1-3 at half time but the Fin outscored them in the second half 4-3 to 1-9. This was a game that we could and should have won. The final group game against Dromara will decide who progresses to the semi finals along with the group winners Kilclief. The scorers for the Fin were Conor Donnelly (3-1), Marc Quinn (2-1), Ethan Lyttle (0-3), Owen O'Neill (0-1). Ethan Murray did well in nets with Peter OHare, Donncha Murphy, Conor Walsh and Anthony Quinn putting in a great defensive shift.
*Our U8.5s squad had four absentees but it meant an opportunity for our younger players to gain more competitive experience. The Fin won their group games against St John's Belfast and St John's Drumnaquoile and narrowly missed out on progressing to the Cup knockout as the 5th place team out of 17. They defeated Dundrum in the Shield semi final to reach the final against RGU for the second year in a row. RGU were far superior and won comfortably. And so the Fin lifted the runners up medals this time. Thanks to Ballykinlar GAC for the invitation to take part. Aughlisnafin squad & scorers: J Lenaghan, R Quinn, M Murphy, D Steen 0-01, C Flanagan 7-05, C Doran 2-01, D Fisher 5-4, D Brennan, E Willoughby, S O'Hare, R Murphy. Another tournament under their belts and they now look forward to bringing a full squad to the East Down Year 4 Super Blitz in Bryansford on Saturday 2nd September. Best wishes to Brogan Clarke who is recovering from a broken arm and we hope to see you back on the pitch soon.
*Upcoming fixtures ; U16's v Castlewellan (a) Thursday 7.30 pm ; Baile an Locha minors v Bredagh (a) next Tuesday at 7.00 pm.
*Lotto 2, 14, 16, 18. No winners. Jackpot £2,750.
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