15th September 2024
Moynalty v Blackhall Gaels
Our 13’s had a very busy weekend, both on the roads and on the pitch. Friday saw them head to Dunboyne to take on St Peter’s. Then on Sunday morning they were off to play Blackhall Gaels in Kilcloon- another big drive!
Following Friday’s win, the team spirits were high, but a few last minute injuries and illness meant the team were down to the bare bones. They had to call in reserves from both the 11’s and the 10’s to help make up the panel for the game. Our 11’s played from the get go, with the 10’s waiting patiently for their chance at joining the big lads on the pitch.
Conditions in Kilcloon were dreary and damp, and the umbrellas on the sideline were left up well into the second half.
Moynalty started well, knowing that Blackhall had a sizeable bench to pull from meant they had to get in straight away. Two quick goals in succession settled the nerves for the away team and the drivers on the sideline settled into what was to become a great game.
Conditions underfoot were wet, so the ball was hard to keep hold of for both teams. Moynalty though, kept their heads and wits about them and saw the back of the net a couple of more times, as well as registering some great scores between the uprights.
The second half was one that nearly caught them out on Friday, so they went out onto the pitch knowing they needed to keep the scoring rate high. And that they did. Some well played passes, well taken frees, and well placed lads, meant that scores were coming in at a good rate.
As the sun broke through the clouds and the umbrellas were lowered, the lads began to tire. But never fear, our two under 10’s came on to give a break to the weary and even found the back of the net!!
Every single player played out of their skin. Teamwork was the word of the day, and the work rate up and down the pitch was immense. The keeper, along with the super backs, made some incredible blocks and got us out of trouble more than once. Our mid fielders played both long and short balls to keep our forwards busy and the points ticking over.
Special mention to two sets of brothers who played today. Both the Carville’s and the Kavanagh’s made it onto the field in the red and white of Moynalty to top off a great weekend for our under 13’s.
Moynalty v Dunboyne
On a dull Friday evening, Moynalty made their way to St Peter’s Dunboyne for their second game of their group. Seeing David Gough was in charge, certainly made the going Moynalty lads straighten their jerseys and fix their gum shields.
Moynalty started the brightest of the two, with some great scoring opportunities to keep the home team quiet. Some well thought out plays, and some well taken shots left them well in control heading into the break.
The second half saw Dunboyne come out all guns blazing and left the visitors in no doubt that they would have their work cut out for them. They had to up the work rate to keep this game under control.
Our backs rallied hard, and as the light faded over the Dunboyne skyline, it was Moynalty who emerged victorious with two points to spare.
With tight numbers,and only one on the bench, Moynalty knew that they needed to work hard and pull on all their reserves.
The team effort on display was second to none with each lad working as hard as they could in the red and white of Moynalty.
Off we March towards Kilcloon on Sunday for the next game against Blackhall. Thankfully for the drivers, the next two games after this weekend are at home!
