Shield
Final
Blackcastle
Utd. 1 - Rearcross Youths 3
Rearcross Youths got the new season off to a great start with
a memorable victory over Blackcastle United in the Youths Shield Final on
a 3-1 score line in tropical climate conditions at a pristine Clodiagh Rangers
Grounds last Monday evening. The Templemore side made the better start and
signalled their intent with a headed effort that wasn't far away with two
minutes gone, Rearcross were slow to settle and conceded successive corners
that came to no avail for the opposition. Jim Caplis in the Rearcross goals
who went on to turn in a fine performance came to the rescue in the fifth
minute when he was well positioned to gather a well struck shot from Stefan
Leahy, Rearcross who were in the losers arena following last season's Shied
Final were starting to find their feet as the half progressed and Paul Hogan
broke through the middle, however a Blackcastle tackle averted the danger.
Thomas Grace's free on twelve minutes was well struck, however the Blackcastle
custodian held on the line. Dean Lenihan gave Rearcross the lead a minute
later with a break run down the left flank before rifling to the back of the
net. Blackcastle retaliated and dominated the subsequent interchanges, Jim
Caplis kept the score line intact with a creditable stop on the 18th minute
mark. Blackcastle kept on the offensive and a Cathal Leahy drive wasn't far
over in the 23rd minute. Rearcross were fighting tooth and nail for possession
and won a free kick outside the eighteen yard box, Thomas Grace read the situation
to perfection and the quickly taken free kick deceived the Blackcastle net
minder to give Rearcross a two nil advantage with nineteen minutes remaining
in the half. Rearcross breathed a sigh of relief in the 35th minute when an
effort was blocked on the line following a goalmouth skirmish before Jim Caplis
smothered the ball. Rearcross finished the half strongly with Damien Nolan
who played well throughout winning vital possession to thwart his opponents.
Blackcastle came out in the second half with all guns blazing, a cleverly
taken free on the right with two minutes gone had the Rearcross defence unit
in disarray as a headed effort was inches wide of the upright, the signs were
ominous for Rearcross four minutes later when Cathal Leahy broke in the centre
before slotting with precision past Jim Caplis. Blackcastle were hunting in
packs at this stage and Jim Caplis was forced to save from a free kick in
the 55th minute. Rearcross dug deep and turned in a courageous performance
with all players playing their hearts out to continually thwart the Blackcastle
onslaught, Jim Caplis raced off his line with sixteen minutes remaining and
saved brilliantly when a goal looked certain, the Rearcross custodian was
to come to the rescue again four minutes later with a splendid block from
point blank range. Blackcastle were caught on a counter attack with seven
minutes remaining when Dean Lenihan showed well before the ball broke to James
Gough who let fly first time with the sweetest of shots that saw the ball
finish in the corner of the net. Blackcastle still weren't finished and once
again it was Jim Caplis who saved two minutes later. Rearcross scented victory
at this stage and held on to secure a memorable win and a first Youths Title
for Rearcross FC, credit to all players who turned in a brave and committed
performances on the day, well done to management team of Adrian Ryan and John
Sheldon. Mike Young (Chairman of North Tipperary & District League) presented
the Shield Trophy to Rearcross captain Seamus Feehan.
Our thanks to supporters who travelled to Drombane last Monday evening to
support the Youths in their quest of this memorable victory.
Blackcastle:
Alan Maher, Paul Tumelty, Shane Purcell, Nicky Ryan, Aidan Fogarty, Cathal
Scully, Stefan Leahy(Capt.), Anthony Purcell, Cathal Leahy, Paul Chapman,
David Farrelly, Anthony Lyons, Shane Carroll,
Subs: Jeffrey Morrissey, Daryll Comerford, Thomas Clohessy
Rearcross:
Jim Caplis, Tom Hickey, Gerard Hourigan, Seamus Feehan(Capt), Robert Harrington,
Thomas Grace, Damien Nolan, James Gough, Paul Hogan, Dean Lenihan, Danny O'Brien.
Subs: Kieran Devitt, Cormac Nolan, Bryan Vandamme, Mark Hogan, Michael O'Gorman,
Arthur Crowe, Wayne McMahon
Referee: David Donnelly
Assistant Referees: Shay Donnelly, Peter Moyles