The U16 boys played their final preliminary League match this evening, Thursday, in Milltown against An Riocht. Although played on a pleasant evening it was evident that the playing surface was very heavy and that fitness and good handling would be pre-requisites for which ever team was going to come out on top.
The Kilkeel Lads started the stronger reeling off 3 good points, without reply in the opening few minutes. The ship was steadied momentarily when JJ Ucar slotted over a good point from play, but An Riocht pressed on again and scored 3 more points without reply.
However the young blues held their nerve and took five of the next sixscores, An Riocht getting a point from play and Warrenpoint taking an impressive three goals and two points. The goals coming from Odhran Jones, Lorcan Ruane and a second for JJ Ucar. An Riocht reacted by scoring the last two points of the half.
Half time score Cumann Pheadair Naofa 3.03 An Riocht 0.09
The Point lads were left under no illusion at half time that either team could win this game and that a big effort was required in the next 30 minutes.
Again An Riocht started well from the throw in, with an impressive long range point, but the young blues were beginning to make the better decisions and work harder in every part of the pitch, this was reflected in the score line with the next 5 ‘point scores being made up of three goals and two points, the goals coming from Cain McLoughlin, JJ Ucar and Conor Madden.
To their credit An Riocht kept working and scored four more points in the second half, Warrenpoint adding two more goals, from JJ Ucar & David Breen and a good point from play by Conor Madden. Full time score Cumann Pheadair Naofa 8.06 An Riocht 0.14
The Leagues take a break now for a few weeks and it is envisaged the U16 grade will recommence as All county and South or East Down A or B, with teams placed based on league position obtained in the preliminary competition. This victory will see Cumann Pheadair Naofa play in the South Down A League.
