The Rangers’ U-10s outdueled Rockland, 4-7 to 1-8, in the first of five New York Minor Board semifinals contested Saturday at Paddy’s Field.
Jason Brophy led the winners with a personal scoreline of 2-2. Brendan Cullinan (1-0), Sean Twomey (1-1), Matt Anderson (0-3), Damien Cassells (0-3). Colin Flynn (0-1), Martin Lowery, Pierce Cassells and Ronan McGoldrick also played well for Rangers. For Rockland, Brian Canty (1-0), Sean McGrath (0-2), Conor Walsh (0-1), Dylan Maye (0-1), Conor Whelan, Patrick Keane and Declan White caught the eye.
In the U-12 semi, Rockland topped St. Barnabas, 4-4 to 0-5. Rockland’s ability to take their scores and better all-round team work proved the difference. Peter Kennedy (1-0), Danny O’Malley (1-0), Brendan McManus (1-1), Shane O’Reilly (1-0), Steven Spellman (0-3), Matt Jordan, Emmett Woods, Conor Hogan and goalkeeper Calom Chang shone for Rockland. Best for St. Barnabas were Thomas McGovern, Nathan Reit, Kyle Hannon, Peter Shea, Joseph Hallinan and Thomas Brady.
The second U-10 semifinal saw Celtics trip St. Barnabas, 3-3 to 1-2. Celtics playing the more open football using the ball wisely with a solid defense led by Allison Traynor, Kieran Patton, Kevin McArdle and Aishling Smith; C.J. Molloy, Shane O’Connor, Daniel Tierney and Rory Cregan their chief marksmen. St. Barnabas were best served by Gerard Dunleavy, Pat Hallinan, Conor Hogan, Mike Reit, Jack Hannon and Padraig McDaid. Referee, Leslie McGettigan.
For sheer excitement, the Rangers vs. Celtic U-12 game was outstanding, with Rangers squeaking by 2-3 to 1-3. Celtics applied tremendous pressure on the Ranger’s defense in the second half. They must take a lot of credit for the win. Lorcan Malone, Peter Wood, Stephen Cassells (0-2), Chris Cassells (1-0), Sean Twomey (1-0), Denis McGoldrick (0-1) and Patrick Bierna ensured Rangers a place in the final. Celtics’ best were Kate Hochman, Ciara McArdle, Kevin Hegarty, Doug Sheeran, C.J. Molloy (1-0), Brian Hegarty (0-2), Sean Tierney (0-1), John Higgins and Shane Connor.
Also, the U-14s from St. Raymond’s defeated St. Barnabas, 5-10 to 1-8. St. Raymond’s stamped their authority early on in this game looking sharper to the ball than their opponents, pressed home their advantage to the fullest. With Michael Greaney inspirational at full back, James Huvane, Michael Delano and Matt Featherstone rock-solid in the half back line. Justin Murray (0-3) and Steve Hughes (0-2) controlled centerfield. Pete Cassells (2-2), Steven Greaney (0-2), John Greaney (1-0) and Brendan Creegan (1-1) were bang on form up front. Brendan Mulroy Doug Brady, Kevin Hannon, Gary Harrison were best for St. Barnabas. Mike Keane, referee.
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The U-18 semifinal at Gaelic Park on Sunday morning had St. Barnabas secure an easy passage to the final on Sunday with a 3-11 to 2-4 victory over Rangers. Jason Clarke and Michael Devino controlled the center of the field for St. Barnabas. Sean Carbin (2-3), Tom Meaney (0-5) and Darren Meaney (1-3) played a vital role for the Woodlawn men. Johnny Keenan, Sean Moyles also excelled. For Rangers, Gary Cullinan (0-2), Niall Duggan (1-0), Brian Morris, Tommy Williams and Derek Courtney (1-1) were best for Rangers.