Final Score St Finian's 3-22 St Maur's 0-07
Another Sunday another win...St Maur's were the visitors to Ridgewood on Sunday morning to face an Adult team unbeaten in the previous 6 outings.
With a place in the league final on the horizon in 2 weeks' time, Finian's were keen to keep the winning ways going. From the first throw in, the lads raced into a lead playing against a strong wind blowing down towards the changing rooms. Finian's proved to be completely dominated in the opening exchanges. A brilliant opening point from Conor Halpin in the first minute lit the lads into action. 2 excellent scores from James Doyle down the right finished off some great passages of play. A brilliant block down by Matthew O'Toole on 19 Minutes & 2 great saves from Stephen McNally kept the defence steady throughout. With Liam Kiernan coming on after 20 minutes to replace James Doyle the levels didn't drop. With St Maur's struggling the flood gates opened. Scores from Conor Halpin (1-02) James Doyle (0-02) Lee Kavanagh (0-01) Scott Brennan (0-03) David Butler (0-01) & Brandon Caffrey (1-01) had Finian's going into the break leading 2-10 to 0-03.
The welcome introduction of Stephen Donnelly for Lee Kavanagh & Cian McCabe for Scott Brennan at half time meant more game time for the lads. With the tempo of the game naturally dropping off the scores kept coming for Finian’s. After only 3 minutes Captain David Butler pulled off an outrageous Dummy Solo to send his marker flying before he stuck over a brilliant individual score. With the defence being marshalled by James Sullivan at Centre back alongside Shane Ainsworth, Patrick Dunne & Adam McGuirk, St Maur’s were struggling to break any lines. With Paddy Hattie in fine form, he stuck over the first of his 3 second half scores. Great play and strength on the ball led to a fine finish on his right side. With Players keen to lay down a marker for a place in the league final, Stephen Donnelly who came on at half time was one who caught the eye. Showing great speed and accuracy to stick over a brilliant point after a great run.
Further scores in the half from Conor Halpin (0-05) Cian McCabe (1-01) ended a decent performance for the team. Notable performances on the day go to Stephen McNally (5 excellent saves), Fiachra Comber, Conor Collier, Brandon Caffrey & Cian McCabe.
League Final against Thomas Davis is scheduled for the 29/08/21 date & time to be confirmed. We would hope to have a big crowd of supporters out from the club on the day.
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Match report Mark Murray , Photos Tony McNamara.