This year’s Junior final was an epic struggle between the two finalists John Lockes and the Blacks and Whites, which saw the Blacks and Whites triumph over the Callan team.
The two teams gave their all to the game and it was a very physical match.
John Lockes were unfortunate in their defeat as they couldn’t seem to get the scores on the board. The Blacks and Whites were able to keep tipping the points over the bar and displayed a lot of very clean and skilful hurling. No doubt they will become great contenders at Intermediate level.
The first half was dominated by John Lockes, who had complete control over mid-field and the half forward line. However the Blacks and Whites kept the pressure on the forwards and John Lockes sent a lot of ball straight into the keeper’s hand, keeping them behind on the scoreboard. It seems the biggest hurdle for the Lockes was their inexperience, which can be improved upon in the future.
The Blacks and Whites got the first score of the day with Niall Kennedy converting a free. Earlier on in the match, John Lockes missed a goal chance which seemed to set the trend for the rest of the game. Jason Corcoran and Simon Burke put the Lockes on the scoreboard with two points. Niall Kennedy stepped up again and scored two points for the Blacks and Whites — one from a free and another great point from play.
The champions went on to score another four points in the duration of the first half compared to Callan’s two, making the score 0-7 to 0-4 in favour of the Blacks and Whites.
While the ball spent most of the game in the Blacks and Whites’ backline, John Lockes were unable to take advantage of their possession. This wasn’t the case for the Blacks and Whites who were able to convert almost every ball that was sent down the field, with the chief scorer being Niall Kennedy. It was becoming clear that the Blacks and Whites were the more experienced and skilful team.
The tables turned in the second half as the Blacks and Whites became the dominant force on the scoreboard and on the field. They displayed excellent skill and were well able to pick out each other on the field to keep the ball moving forward.
In the opening minutes, the Blacks and Whites put two quick points over the bar. However, Jason Corcoran sent a high ball in from a free and Simon Burke stepped up and scored a great goal, making the score 0-9 to 1-5 in favour of the Blacks and Whites.
If Callan had managed to get a few points converted at this point the outcome at the final whistle may have been different. However, the Blacks and Whites kept their cool and scored four successive points - two from frees and two from play, scored by Niall Kennedy and Tom Moloney.
Substitute Ger Shelly put an inspiring point over the bar from the left hand side of the field for the Lockes which was followed by a point again by Niall Kennedy.
John Lockes managed to finish in style with a great goal from in front of the posts by Simon Burke.
The final score at the full time whistle was 0-17 to 2-6.
The game was everything expected from a junior final, and more. There was a lot of tough, physical hurling with the play kept very tight. But the match also highlighted the great young talent coming through on both sides.
For the Lockes, Jason Corcoran really showed his strength at mid-field and for a minor player to be so dominant in his position really speaks of a good career to come.
Shane Bergin was impressive throughout the game, he gave a tireless effort from every position on the field. He really is a little terrier and will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
The Blacks and Whites are also a young team, although, looking at their defensive performance on the day, it was as if they had all been playing for years. In the second half, their half back and full back line kept the Lockes out of the game.
Michael Moloney had a fantastic game and Niall Kennedy gave a heroic performance at centre forward, as did Paul Murphy who looked a threat throughout the game.
