Cuchulainn Gaels 0-3 Roche Emmets 5-12

Our U12 boys got their league campaign off to a fine start at Páirc Naomh Lorgan on Wednesday evening courtesy of a comprehensive victory against the hosts.

Emmets struck 3-8 in the first half, having held Cuchulainn Gaels scoreless, during the opening period following a powerful spell of play in which Paul Reilly, Shay Carolan, Harry Treacy and Adam McGuinness played especially well.

Reilly (2), Jack Murphy (2), Carolan and lightning Peter McArdle all hit points during the first quarter – the build-up play for each of the scores was hugely impressive, JJ McArdle, James Curtis and Karl Reilly involved in various pieces of slick movement.

Back, left to right: Peter McArdle, Paul Reilly, Karl Reilly, Shay Carolan, Adam McGuinness, Conor Douglas, Seán McEneaney; front, left to right: Rory Sheridan, James Curtis, JJ McArdle, Harry Treacy, Jack Murphy, Gerry Kirk

Roche were almost impermeable defensively – Conor Douglas and Seán McEneaney excelled at the back during the second quarter particularly.

Rory Sheridan, like Curtis, was moved field-over, featuring prominently at both ends and showing off his neat left foot. Meanwhile, Curtis hit 2-1 in quarter three after a spell at full-forward.

The goalkeeping position was alternated between Douglas, Gerry Kirk, Treacy and McGuinness. Kirk didn’t touch the ball during his net-minding period, but he made up for it when stationed up the field, showing in front and laying off possession to inrushing runners.

Kilkerley Emmets/Naomh Malachi visit Páirc de Róiste on Saturday evening (5pm) in what will be the team’s second match.

Roche: Conor Douglas, Seán McEneaney, James Curtis (2-1, 0-1 free), Harry Treacy (0-1), JJ McArdle, Shay Carolan (1-2), Adam McGuinness (0-1), Karl Reilly (1-0), Jack Murphy (0-2, one free), Peter McArdle (1-2), Paul Reilly (0-3), Rory Sheridan, Gerry Kirk

Referee: Damien Connor (St. Patrick’s)