Raheny U9s 

Venue:	Pitch 12a, St. Annes
Throw In:	11am
No. of Raheny Teams:	3
No. of Opponent Teams:	3
Weather	Overcast and mild

RAHENY LIONS

Report by Paul Nolan

Squad: Martin Bishop, Jamie Nolan, Matt Lawless, Rudi Kellet-Whelan, Adam Roberts, Jack Codd, Cathal Shovlin,  Adam Savage, Matthew Dowdall and Matthew Grant

The Raheny Lions took the field with three Matthews and two Adams just to keep it simple for the mentors against a well drilled Naomh Olaf team. The match was highly competitive from the off with Raheny backs providing a good platform for attacking by the forwards. The first point was scored by Jamie Nolan after great play by mid fielder Adam Roberts. Olaf’s responded with two quick points despite excellent pressure and blocking from Matthew Dowdall and Martin Bishop.  The first half ended a tight contest with Olaf’s leading by 2 points to one.

A few tactical changes at half time meant that Raheny became more competitive. Going man to man every time by every Raheny player meant that the Lions won all the 50:50 balls. Rudi was a live wire upfront whilst Matt lawless dominated mid field. He provided two assists for Jamie who struck two more points over the bar to give Raheny the lead. Cathal Shovlin moved into midfield later in the half to give Adam Roberts a rest as he had covered every blade of grass. Cathal received a great pass from Jack Codd after a terrific high field of the ball over his head and powered forward before laying the ball to Rudi for another point.

The Lions were well on top at this stage and two additional points from Matt Lawless and Matthew Grant ended the scoring for Raheny

At the back Jack Codd marshalled the defence well with great support and covering from Adam Savage who came into his own in the second half with two great clearances in particular. Olaf’s scored a late consolation point to leave the Final Score at Raheny Lions 0-6 points (18) to 0-3 points (9) for Olaf’s

The victory was very well deserved. A lot of skills practiced is training were on view. In particular blocking and working the ball out from the back at speed.

A big well done lads.

  Mentors

Kieran Doherty, Tony Lawless and Paul Nolan

RAHENY GIANTS

Report by Joanne Kerrisk.

Team: Cian, Dylan, Brian, Joe, Ceda, Ryan Kane, Ryan Kent, James and Tiarnan
 
Score:
 
Raheny Tigers : 3 (Goal),  6 (Point),  1 (Skill Point)
Naomh Olaf       2 (Goal),  0 (Point),  2 (Skill Point)

Report:
 
Raheny Tigers dominated Naomh Olaf from start to finish recording their best victory of the season so far. Ryan Kane had the standout performance in attack scoring 3 points along with a fine goal. Joe Bonar and James Pitts put in battling performances winning dirty ball to set up Ryan Kent, Ryan Kane and Brian to deliver the coup de grace. Joe and James hard graft was crucial for the team to gain the clear opportunities in front of goal. 

The platform for success was built upon Cian's clever kick outs in the first half, mixing short and long kicks which always reached their target. Dylan was a pillar in defence, winning contested ball and breaking out of defence to deliver long ball into the forward line. Ryan Kent was unstoppable in midfield scoring two fantastic points and creating countless opportunities for the attack and himself. In the matches to come looking for Ryan Kent to see the options around him and concentrate on his execution of his kicking. Ceda won a lot of ball in the attack and was very effective in distributing short ball to his team mates. James kept a clean sheet for the Tigers in the second half and Tiarnan tirelessly worked his socks off for the team. TIarnan in the second half and Joe in the first half showed their sportsmanship by playing for the opposition. The players and mentors always recognise true sportsmanship and well done to Joe and Tiarnan.
 
Two players who have silently gone about improving their games is Brian and Ryan Kane. Ryan's movement and anticipation has leap frogged in a manner of weeks and execution in front of goal was excellent. Brian's positioning and distribution was precise and efficient and took his goal with aplomb.

A fantastic team performance and credit to the coaches for doing a great job in the skills and fitness program.  It's clear to see the fruits of their endeavours are shining through