The Official Ulster Colleges GAA Website - Sponsored by BT
Mon 28th Sep 2009
Herald Cup
St.Patricks, Downpatrick 1:09 St.Pauls, Bessbrook 1:11
This battle was by far the match of the competition so far.
Under the excellent management of Swail and McCann, Red High got of to a spectacular start with two early scores without reply from Matthew Hardy and Seán Morgan. Five minutes in and Bessbrook pushed forward in their first attack of the game, but were thwarted by the excellent defending of corner back Timmy Russell. But the Downpatrick lads couldn’t keep the Bessbrook boys out for long, as they came bombing forward and forced St.Pats into giving away a free outside the 21 yard line. St.Pauls took advantage of this and finally registered a point on the scoreboard. Rory Mullen and Matthew Hardy’s brilliant fielding saw Red High win possession from the kick outs from St.Pats keeper Cathaíl Arnold, and also from the Bessbrook kick outs. Red High collected another two points, with brilliant support up play from Joe Milligan and Ryan Murdock. Bessbrook then surged forward in need of a few quick scores and the St.Pauls forward soon found himself one-on-one with Downpatrick keeper, but Cathaíl Arnold pulled of a brilliant save using his legs. The ball then fell into the arms of the Bessbrook midfielder who hit a brilliant shot on goal, but St.Pats keeper Cathaíl was once again called into action, diving across his net and putting the ball over the bar with what was a spectacular save. Red High and Bessbrook both continued to pile on pressure until half time, but just before the referees whistle went, St.Pauls found themselves with a great chance on goal, and their forward made sure he put the ball in the net this time. Remarkable first half performances from Timmy Russell, Rory Mullen, Darryl Kirton, Cathail Arnold and Hardy. Half time score was 1:3 to 0:5 to Bessbrook.
Red High were up against it now with a strong breeze against them, but they started with all guns blazing with an early goal from Sean Morgan and three points from Kirton, Hardy and Morgan. Bessbrook then took advantage of some sloppy play from St.Pats and managed to get two points back, but with the amazing defending of back line Decky Turley, Russell and Gilchrist, Bessbrook were kept at bay. With 15 minutes to go Red High were up by three with brilliant battling from Morgan and Matthew Stratton. But Bessbrook took advantage of the breeze and hit long balls into the forward line, which paid of as they got the score level again. St.Pats replied brilliantly, with two dazzling points from Seán Morgan. With five minutes left to play, and Downpatrick up by two points, Bessbrook tried everything to obtain more scores, but were denied by Timmy Russell’s magnificent defensive play. St.Pauls managed to get three points from free-kicks though, as careless challenges were coming in from Red High. Downpatrick tried everything to try and get more scores. With two minutes left, St.Pats keeper Cathaíl Arnold, was switched into the full forward line, but it wasn’t enough. Red High subs Paddy Smith and Murray give a good performance. Bessbrook managed to get one more score before the referee blew for full time. A good performance by St.Pats, with the star players being Seán Morgan, Cathaíl Arnold, Timmy Russell, Matthew Hardy and Declan Turley.
Team: C Arnold, T Russell, D Turley, A Tilley, P Gilchrist, R Mullen, R Murdock, D Arnold, S Morgan(1,5), M Stratton, M Hardy(0,3), D Kirton(0,1), C Crilly, J Milligan, J O’Hare.
Submitted by: Declan Morgan
