U-21’s v Balla – Match Report
Balla came to Ballindine on Friday evening and defeated Davitts by 3-9 to 0-15 in the County U-21 B Championship. This was a lively and entertaining game in less than ideal conditions but Balla’s ability to get goals proved to be the difference in the end. Balla deservedly led by 2-4 to 0-5 at halftime and things didn’t look good for the homeside who had lost two star forwards Matthew Trench and Evan Ronayne to injury in that first half. Some poor shooting didn’t help Davitts cause either while Liam Noone, Andrew Peters, Cathal Hennelly (2) and Sean Waldron scored Davitts first half points.
The homeside however came out with all guns blazing in the second half and began to chip away at the lead. Some fine shooting by Cathal Hennelly, Andy Peters and Liam Noone, as Davitts showed admirable spirit all over the field, narrowed the gap to one point with ten minutes remaining. Balla responded with a third goal to really knock the stuffing out of the Davitts lads. Balla finished the game out well as Davitts couldn’t breach their defence for the goal they required in the final minutes.
After a poor first half where all of the players underperformed, Davitts will be encouraged by the second half display with notable contributions from Brian Clarke, Cathal Higgins, Cathal Hennelly, Andrew Peters, Liam Noone and Paul O Gara.
Davitts: Micheal Mangan, Patrick Keadin, Brian Clarke, Padraig Mangan, Cathal Higgins, Cathal Hennelly (0-7), Sean Waldron (0-1), William Freeley, Matthew Trench, Andrew Peters (0-2), Liam Noone (0-4), Evan Ronayne, Gerald Griffin. Subs used: Conor Keane (0-1), Paul O Gara, Gearoid Lyons.
We wish a speedy recovery to the luckless Matthew Trench who sustained a serious leg injury late in the first half.
