Longstone GAC Notes
May 20, 2012*Longstone snatched a victory with a late Ambrose Rogers goal in a game which was keenly contested throughout at Longstone Pk. on Friday evening. The first half was always a close affair with never more than two points between the sides. The only goal of the half was somewhat bizarre. It arrived in the 19th minute of the half when pressure from a few Ballyholland forwards put the Longstone defence under pressure and the ball ended up over the Longstone goal-line via a misplaced back pass. This put the visitors ahead for the first time, 1-3 to 0-4. The home side replied with two frees but a converted free from Ballyholland's Paddy Quinn close to the break made it 1-4 to 0-6 at half-time. The second period started off brilliantly for the visitors as they scored 1-3 between the 4th and 7th minutes. The goal was the second score in this sequence and was snapped up by Ronan Murtagh from close-in. Suddenly Ballyholland led 2-7 to 0-6 and appeared to be well on their way. However, Longstone quickly hit back with two converted frees to narrow the deficit to five. Then in the 14th minute of the half Barry Doran successfully scored a penalty to leave just two between the teams and this game was heading for an exciting conclusion. Over the next ten minutes the sides exchanged two points apiece to make it 15-13, in favour of Ballyholland. Then in the 29th minute Steven Doran kicked over to make it a one point game. And a minute later Longstone's Mark Poland kicked a ball in towards the full-forward position, several players went for the ball, and it was Ambrose Rogers who managed to flick the ball over the advancing Ballyholland keeper and into the net. The home team were back into the lead for the first time since midway through the first half, but crucially were ahead when the final whistle was blown a couple of minutes later.
This was an eventful game and bodes well for an exciting tie in the first round of the senior championship on Sunday, June 10 in Pairc Esler at 7pma.
Longstone: Colin Trainor, Conor Smyth, Eamonn Quinn, Darren McDowell, Malachy Trainor, Mark Doran, Cormac Poland, Gary Trainor 0-1, John Magee, Ambrose Rogers 1-0, Barry Doran 1-1, Mark Poland 0-1, Michael Ireland 0-2, 2 frees, Ryan Kelly 0-4, 4 frees, Steven Doran 0-2. Sub used: Colin Burden.
Ballyholland scorers: Paddy Quinn 0-5, 3 frees, Ronan Murtagh 1-1, Own goal 1-0, Paul Murphy, Tony Havern & Caolan Haughey 0-1 each.
Referee: Declan Ryan.
*Our Reserve team were away to Clonduff on Sunday evening and continued their winning run with a good victory. The first half was a close affair and at half-time the visitors led by three. Longstone got a good start to the second period, the defence tightened up and gradually they pulled away playing better football than earlier in the game and converting many of their chances. A good team performance with John-Paul Haughian, James Rodgers, Michael Young and Kieran Rogers leading by example. Shane Rodgers went off injured during the second half and is wished a complete and speedy recovery.
*The Minors and U-16s played Carryduff and Atticall respectively last week and were defeated in both games.
*Longstone U-12s played their first game of the season, and in their new jerseys, away to Bosco on Sunday morning and they fought back from ten points down at half- time, but were defeated by one point with the very last kick of the game. Well done to all.
*Upcoming Fixtures: Thurs U-14 v Baileglas (h) 7.30pm/ Fri Minor camogie v Castlewellan (h)/ Sat U-16 v Ardglass (h) 12pm & U-12 camogie League Round 3 & U-8 Go Games tournament in An Riocht 10.30am & Min v Ardglass (a) 4pm & Sen v Saval (a) 6pm/ Sun U-12 v Mitchels (h) 11am & Res v Bosco (h) 6.30pm/ Mon Junior v Ballela (a) 7.30pm & U-14 v Drumgath (h) 7.30pm/ Tues U-12 v An Riocht (a) 7.30pm.
*Longstone GAC Golf Classic takes place this Friday at Kilkeel Golf Club. Thanks to all the sponsors and teams. Any single players who would like to play, please contact Michael Haughian 07974 928115. Presentation that night in Longstone Hall with Music by James Rogers at 10pm. Good luck to everyone involved.
*U-8 players have a Go Games tournament this Saturday to play in, hosted by An Riocht, and due to start at 10.30am. Longstone players to be at Pairc na Riochta for 10.10am please.
*Campa Chormaic an Duin will take place at two venues this Summer, at St Colman's College, July 2-6, or at St Malachy's, July 9-13. The week long summer camp provides classes and training in Gaelic Heritage and Games. If interested go to the Campa Chormaic website and download an application form.
*Numbers 4, 6, 9, 21. Five matched three. Jackpot £6600 on Sunday night.
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