Carryduff U12s were back in action in round four of the East Down league on Sunday.
In Division One, Carryduff travelled to Newcastle to play Bryansford and it proved to be a tough morning for the Duff lads against a very direct and speedy home side. Bryansford scored a couple of early goals and this set them on their way to victory as they never looked back.
There were a number of changes to the Duff line up and new additions David Morrissey and Liam Blaney both gave a good account of themselves. In particular, Blaney showed up well with his ability to win kick outs and link defence and attack. Bryansford were very strong around the middle of the field and Carryduff struggled to compete in this sector. Declan McArdle worked hard to stem the tide and Oran McMeel shone at full back, taking a number of great catches under the high ball and always looking to get out in front of his man.
Carryduff engineered some nice moves of their own but lacked a cutting edge, a goal from Niall O’Neill their only three pointer of the game. Whilst Carryduff only really played in fits and starts against a strong opponent, the score line was harsh on the boys who battled hard until the long whistle. Final Score: Bryansford 8-13 Carryduff 1-4.
Meanwhile in Division Two, Carryduff hosted St Colman’s Drumaness on a sunny, but windy, morning at Páirc Aodha Dhuibh. The Duff played with the conditions in their favour during the first half and built up a nice cushion. Dara Cunningham led from midfield and scored some fine points, with the score of the game coming after wonderful combination work between Ronan Donaldson and Matthew Loftus.
Drumaness threatened at times themselves, but the Duff defence did well, with goalkeeper Peter Murchan making some good saves to ensure that the home side led by nine points at the break.
The visitors had the wind at their backs in the second half and as a result put more pressure on the Carryduff rearguard. Michael Tinnelly and Jude Dixon stood up to the challenge and when they were bypassed, Finn Cunningham made a couple of excellent goal line clearances.
Carryduff worked hard all over the pitch, the first line of defence starting in their forward line where Owen O’Neill and Cameron McClure disrupted the ability of Drumaness to break from deep with some tenacious tackling. Carryduff remained a threat too and kept the visitors at arm’s length with goals from Cillian Whitford and Daniel Robinson, the latter getting on the end of a lovely through ball from J P Hegarty. Final Score: Carryduff 3-7 Drumaness 1-2
There are no league games next weekend but training continues on Wednesday and Friday with an in house training match also scheduled for Sunday morning.
Carryduff A v Bryansford: Matthew Tunney, Oran McMeel, Joseph Doherty, Rory Hughes, David Morrissey, Eoin Blaney, Oisin McGurk, Liam Blaney, Oran Donaldson Declan McArdle, Niall O’Neill, Cian Duffy, Jacob Dixon, Eunan O’Hare
Carryduff B v St Colman’s Drumaness: Peter Murchan, Cillian Teague, Ronan Donaldson, Dara Cunningham, Finn Cunningham, Eoin McKernan, Cameron McClure, Michael Tinnelly, Jude Dixon, Odhran Doherty, Matthew Robinson, Daniel Robinson, Cillian Whitford, J P Hegarty, Owen O’Neill, Ronan Kelly, Matthew Loftus, Jack McGrath
Carryduff B v St Colman’s Drumaness: Peter Murchan, Cillian Teague, Ronan Donaldson, Dara Cunningham, Finn Cunningham, Eoin McKernan, Cameron McClure, Michael Tinnelly, Jude Dixon, Odhran Doherty, Matthew Robinson, Daniel Robinson, Cillian Whitford, J P Hegarty, Owen O’Neill, Ronan Kelly, Matthew Loftus, Jack McGrath
