Desertmartin under 16’s got their 2005 campaign off to a winning start with victory over Castledawson in a game delayed from Thursday night.
Castledawson 2-05 Desertmartin 7-14
After a sluggish start the team played some good fast moving football during the first half, with the Castledawson defence struggling to contain a very lively full forward line. John Hughes and Enda McGuckin did most of the damage during this period but Paul McGovern and Enda O?Hagan were also good acting as providers. Fearghal Higgins at wing half forward also had a great game winning good ball and laying it off cleverly and his work rate was rewarded with a fine goal just before half time. On the other wing Joey Leyden had a battle royal with his marker, and despite not having one of his best games never gave up. At Midfield Greg and Cahir worked hard for the hour and held sway for most of the game. At the back the defence coped very well with whatever attacks Castledawson could muster. Hard working halfback trio of R Murray, P O?Neill and C Monaghan were ably supported by P Kidd and G McElwee in the full back line. Behind them Christopher had a sound game between the posts with some excellent kick outs. Cathal Brown who started the game at corner back and later played corner forward was Desertmartin?s Man of the Match, probably one of the smallest players on the pitch his fielding was a delight to watch and added to his work rate and distribution he gave an excellent performance. The team led by 6-8 to 0-2 at half time.
During the second half the managers used the opportunity to give the rest of the panel a run out. Castledawson to be fair never gave up and in a more evenly matched half they were rewarded with a further 2-2 on the scoreboard. Desertmartin added a further 1-6 to their first half tally to run out convincing winners at the end.
The club wish a speedy recovery to Enda McGuckin who picked up a nasty neck injury just before half time.
The teams next game is away to Swatragh on Thursday night were a much stronger challenge no doubt awaits.
Team and scorers
1. C Bradley
2. C Brown (0-1)
3. P Kidd
4. G McElwee
5. R Murray
6. P O’Neill
7. C Monaghan
8. G McGovern
9. C Madden
10. F Higgins (1-0)
11. E O’Hagan (1-3)
12. J Leyden
13. E McGuckin (2-2)
14. J Hughes (2-7)
15. P McGovern (1-0)
Subs:
P McFlynn for E McGuckin
P Trainor for J Leyden
M Murchan (0-1) for F Higgins
M Connery for G McElwee
D Hegarty For R Murray
S McStravock for P McGovern
Man of the Match
Cathal Brown