Roche U17s welcomed their St Pats counterparts to Pairc de Roiste for their opening Regional league fixture. Conditions were perfect for football and both teams didn't disappoint the sizeable crowd in attendance with a match draped in moments of quality. Both teams were without their County players but that gave other players a chance to stake a starting berth on their teams.

The home side started well with Eoin Maguire and Sean Conlan causing the Pats defence problems and notching the first few opening scores. Fionn Connolly, on his debut for the blue and whites, began to exert his influence with some wonderful runs and delectable passes as Roche tagged on some great team scores.

A boomer of a point from Adam McCoy kept the Lordship lads in touch but the power and drive from Ryan Martin in midfield was making it very difficult for the Pats rearguard to repel. He was ably assisted by the vibrant Taylor Ward who resembled a new born lamb gambolling around the pitch as if Spring had just begun.

In the second half when impressive midfielder Daniel O Shaughnessy converted a penalty, a Pats comeback was on the cards. But the Roche subs made a telling impact and the home team saw out a deserved victory.

It was a pleasing opening performance with scope for improvement. Next up is Kilkerley away.

Final Score: Roche Emmets 0:18 St Patricks 1:06.

Squad: Oisin Nash, James Loughran, Finn Conlen, Conor Callan, Luca Craig Haye, Criomhthann McGahon, Taylor Ward, Ryan Martin, Sean Connolly, Sean Conlon, Andrew McKay, James Corcoran, Luke O Connell, Eoin Maguire, Fionn Connolly, Conor Litchfield, Joshua McGuinness, Andrew McArdle, Ciaran Levins, Alex McArdle, Donagh Conlon.