Following the trip to St. Annes Park two weeks ago, the U15 Hurling team returned to the valley for a game versus Castleknock. Again, both teams were sitting adjacent to each other in mid-table so the outcome of this match would definitely have season altering effect on the standings.

With a very strong wind blowing and the forecast for rain, the lads spoke pre-game of the importance of putting in a 60-minute performance. The plan, if we won the toss, was to play with the wind in the first half and use it to our advantage to put up a big score as a buffer. To make a fast start we would look for an early score from the throw-in, if possible.

Unfortunately we lost the toss and had to play against the wind however Finians still managed to score first within moments of the game starting. Whether it was directly from the throw-in or not who knows but the lads had opened their account early as planned. This set the tempo for the game and Finians never lost the lead. Castleknock made our lads work hard but work hard they did. The rain didn’t arrive but the windy conditions remained a challenge for both sides.

Finians accuracy was notably improved despite the conditions with some good patches of fluid play. One series of handpasses in particular resulted in a great field position which was expertly converted into a well taken goal. The lads eventually ran out winners on a scoreline of 3-12 to 0-5.

🎤Eamon McGlade