U-16 Championship Div 3: St. John’s 4-11 St. Patrick’s 2-3 (played in Stenson Park last evening)

Impressive win for St. John’s U-16's
All the hard work on the training ground is now paying off for the St. John’s U-16 side following an impressive display to defeat St. Patrick’s in Stenson Park last evening.

After a shaky start it was Jake McMahon in the half back line who ventured up the field taking a quick 45’ pass from Shane Egan before slotting over. St. Patrick’s equalized soon after but further scores from Ronan McGoldrick & Jack Walsh put the sky blues in front. It was to get ever better for the sky blues when Cathal Byrne playing at midfield rose highest to collect a high dropping ball and fed the inrushing Joe Spratt and he made no mistake from close range with an expertly taken goal. St. John’s pulled well clear and at half time lead by 1-8 to 0-2 with further points coming from Joe Spratt (2) Ronan McCormack & Dillon Lynch McMorrow

St. John’s added to their tally with the inspiring Joe Spratt again on target with a free off the ground and this was followed shortly afterwards with the games second goal coming from Dylan Lynch McMorrow. Not to be outdone the attacking minded Darragh Flemming in the full back line raced up the field before popping over another inspirational score.

St. Pat’s did stage a mini revival and converted a penalty and added a second goal but it was to be their last score as St. John's took over. At this stage St. John’s still had a comfortable 2-10 to 2-3 lead. Two further goals from Ronan McGoldrick and another point from Dillon Lynch McMorrow put the issue well beyond doubt in an overall magnificent team display.

Best for St. John’s on the evening were Darragh Fleming, Jack Sayers, Shane Egan & Jake McMahon who nullified the St. Patricks attack for long periods while Ronan McGoldrick & Cathal Byrne both excelled at midfield with great drive and energy. Jack Walsh & Dillon Lynch McMorrow gave masterful displays in the high scoring St. John’s forward line.

(report with thanks to Stephen Cronin)

_____________________________________________________________________________