St Nicholas 2-11 Plunketts 2-09
In what turned out to be a very nervy U16 final the Nicks finally got the result their efforts all year deserved. Having won 8 out of 9 league games to be crowned league champions was fitting for this group. Playing with the slight wind the Nicks led 4 pts to nil thanks to some great free taking from Paudi and Fionn and a great individual effort from Josh. The Nicks early dominance was wiped out when the conceded a sloppy goal which lifted the Plunketts. Tadgh Martin kept the scoreboard ticking with some accurate frees but it was a half which didn't get flowing due to persistent fouling by the opposition which became very frustrating and the Nicks only led by 3 at the break.
A few home truths were said at halftime which lifted the team. Keane was pulled down in the box and Fionn rattled home the penalty which he followed up with 2 quick points. The Plunketts to there credit wouldn't lie down and scored a goal on the break and followed that with the next 3 points, this game was in the melting pot. It was a 2 point game when the Plunketts had a 1 on 1 with Harry who pulled off a match winning save. We kicked on then to go 4 pts up with 2 minutes to play but the opposition still wouldn't lie down following 4 sending offs in the second half the game became very disjointed and nerves got to a lot of players with the last kick of the game a misguided free from the opposition and the referee blew the final whistle to the relief of our huge support.
The team as a unit had done enough to win special mention to Adam who landed badly with a minute to go and was chauffeur driven by ambulance from the pitch thankfully it wasn't as bad as first thought and a little rest with sort him out. The club are very proud of this team, they have lost finals at under 12,13,14,15, some more than that if they played at 2 age groups so a win was much deserved. A man of the match would be hard to pick so we will leave that for another day, Semi Final of the Championship is up next so we will go again next Sat.
Well done to the all the players, coaches and supporters, that travelled to Darver. I would also give a mention to our captain who gave a fitting tribute to Daniel Roche in his speech he surely would of loved this and he will always be on our team sheet. UP THE NICKS.
