Cumann Pheadaír Naofa 2-9
Carryduff 1-3
Friday night saw the Cumann Pheadaír Naofa U14 hurlers finish their league campaign with a 12-point win over Carryduff. The game gave an idea of the potential within the panel being the first game through issues such an injuries holidays and various sporting commitments that the best 15 has taken the field. Now hurling over 6 years Sean Morgan gave an exemplary performance at corner back using all his experience and skill giving great protection to keeper Jason Young who continues to improve following up on an excellent display of shot stopping last week against Ballela.
Early points from Zac Mackerel and Oisín Kelly got the scoreboard moving but the rate slowed after that with a superb midfield tussle played out with Eoin Cassidy and Jack Houlahan going toe to toe with two of the best hurlers at U14 grade in the county. Despite dominating possession, the blues went in at half time with a relatively slender lead of 4 points. Nathan Foy has been a revelation since his return and he provided some wonderful examples of attack hurling, and quality striking.
Eoin Cassidy finished off his man of the match display with a show of fitness and power that was a joy to watch. In truth though this was a superb team effort as Tony Magee and particularly Oisín Magone and James Murray were superb in the half back line keeping Carryduff attacks at bay with great fielding and powerful clearances. Some wonderful touches from Carryduff player Finn Collins made this a game to really savour with Niall Somerville and Liam O’Connor adding some turns themselves that belied their young years. Full forwards Charlie Cole and Conleth Murphy also added some great strength and determination to the full forward line and games like last night will do wonders for their development.
The 14s are now looking forward to their championship date of August 25 when they take on Clonduff for a place in the U14 shield final.
CPN were: J Young E McLoughlin, T Magee, S Morgan, J Murray, N Foy, O Magone, E Cassidy J Houlahan, L O’Connor, Z Mackerel, N Somerville, C Cole, O Kelly, C Murphy, Tiarnan Kelly, O Ruane
