Competition: AFLD1

Venue: Batterstown

Date: 29/7/2015

Score:

Blackhall Gaels 2-11

St. Patricks 1-15

Blackhall Gaels faced their most important fixture to date last night (Wednesday) in Batterstown against a tough St. Patricks side. The Gaels badly needed a win to avoid relegation, and battled hard for the entire match. Unfortunately, St. Patrick's purple patches proved more rewarding and they came away as the deserving victors.

Blackhall began with the best of starts, with great hassling and quality ball play. Although some of the tackles went a bit wayward and St. Pats looked ready for a serious battle Darren Byrne's early goal had Blackhall fancying their chances. James Kelly and the ever present John Kelly defended superbly in the opening half, with John playing deep in the back line, although he wore no.13. James Kelly had his hands full with the St. Pat's danger man but he kept him out as often as possible. Hugh Smith has made a serious name for himself this year with some great interceptions and forward play. Conor Stenson was back in business with his usual brilliance in defense. Despite all this, Blackhall dropped coming into halftime and St. Pats showed the home side what they were made of. There were 15 scores in the first half, 9 from St. Pats and only 1 of which was from a placed ball. As frustration levels rose Blackhall started to give away the ball, kicking from impossible angles and fouling. At the half, thanks to the ever impressive Donnacha Tobin and his mid-field companion feeding the ball into Tadhg Brosnan and Byrne Blackhall were only a point behind. 1-5 to 0-9.

St. Pats continued their purple patch at the restart and  scored a goal and a point before Blackhall knew what was happening. However, the introduction of Tom Delaney and positional switches at the half made for a more controlled Blackhall team. Although the went 6 points down the belief was still there and the team rallied, winning ball around the middle and pushing up the field continuously. With the departure of John Kelly and Mark Ferris due to injuries Blackhall could have fallen apart around the 40min mark. However, the team kept the heads high and battled on. Tom Walsh's introduction wrapped up defence while Conor Delaney played numerous ball in across the field. The goal chance came, and came, and came, but alas Paul Kelly, Tadgh and Tobin were not lucky enough to convert them. A Kevin O'Keane point and 6 Brosnan frees kept Blackhall in touch but they knew they needed a goal. Darren Byrne, who set up at least 2 of the goal chance after scoring his own was again the very man for the job. A lovely kick over the goalie's head got the score back to 3. 2 late frees could not secure the win however and defeat came hard on the home crowd. The final score was St. Pats 1-15 Blackhall 2-11.

Although this means Blackhall go back to division 2 they can be proud of last nights performance. Although there were chances missed there were some great plays throughout. The younger lads will have time to grow into their positions a little more and will excel during next year's league. A disappointing evening for the men in Blue and Yellow but each can be proud of their individual and team performance on the night. With the injuries mounting for the Gaels, Blackhall will find it difficult towards the business end of the championship, However, Blackhall are good at disrupting things and will regroup and refocus for the next game.

Team: Tommy Dalton, Conor Stenson, Colum McElligott, James Kelly, Kevin O'Keane (0-1), Donnacha Tobin, Hugh SMith, Mark Ferris(0-1), Patrick O'Brien, Paul Kelly, Tommy Coyle, Alan Nestor, John Kelly, Tadhg Brosnan (0-7(6F), Darren Byrne (2-2). Subs: Tom Delaney, Tom Walsh, Conor Delaney.

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