Rearcross U-11's travelled to Thurles on Saturday evening to play Peake Villla in this festive friendly fixture and turned in a strong display against a talented home side before coming out on the wrong side of a 5-2 score line. Played on the All Weather pitch at the Tower Grounds, the game was played at a lively pace throughout. Rearcross keeper Cathal Kennedy who produced a man of the match performance was called in to action inside the opening two minutes with a good block from a corner kick. A slick Peake Villa outfit kept the pressure on and Conor Stapleton's pile driver was on target, however Cathal Kennedy produced a top drawer save to turn the effort outside the post. The Rea boys were also having their moments and a Stephen Rochford shot was on target, however custodian Stephen Donavan gathered. Cathal Kennedy made another superb save a minute later after getting a one handed touch to Conor Stapleton's drive. Rearcross were forced to defend in numbers as Jack Kelly blazed inches over. Patrick Dawson, Eoin Sheldon and Cillian Kennedy combined, however the Villa defence broke up the move. The hosts took the lead on nineteen minutes when Jack Kelly's corner kick was knocked on to Oisin O’Brien who finished at the back post. Rearcross kept plugging and Cillian Kennedy's shot from distance was on the mark, however Stephen Donovan saved. Patrick Dawson followed up with a good effort from out on the right which dragged outside the far side of the post. The Thurles side made it two nil on the stroke of half time when the ball squirmed inside the upright with Henry Fogarty getting the last touch. The visitors upped the ante at the start of the second half and brought it back to the minimum when Stephen Rochford's low effort was turned inside the post with a deft touch from Eoin Sheldon. Peake Villa stamped their dominance after this and Cathal Kennedy was forced to make a reflex boot save seconds later. Sean Malone came to the rescue for Rearcross after clearing off the line, however Peake Villa went on to stretch their lead in the 35th minute when Josh Hackett scored with a good effort, the Rearcross keeper saved again two minutes later. Peake Villa were piling on the pressure and made it 4-1 when Jack Murphy’s effort was deflected to the net and then Henry Fogarty tacked on goal number five for Peake Villa with a fine strike. Rearcross didn't give up and tacked on their second of the outing when Colm Lenihan got the vital touch to Cillian Kennedy's free kick to knock the ball home. Full credit to both sides for producing an entertaining spectacle despite the wet and cold conditions and our thanks to Peake Villa for hosting this seasonal fixture which incidentally was the first meeting of the Club's since an infamous Youths game dating back to 1973. At least the visitors were able to travel by bus this time round and vacated their mode of transport! in Liberty Square for a well-earned visit to Supermacs to cap off an enjoyable Christmas outing.

Peake Villa: Stephen Donovan, Jack Murphy, Mark Martin, Reece Carroll, Shane Turner, Conor Stapleton, Oisin O'Brien, Henry Fogarty, Josh Hackett, Jack Kelly, Terence Osaji, James Fogarty.

Rearcross U-11's: Cathal Kennedy, Paul Nolan, Sean Malone, Cillian Kennedy, Patrick Dawson, Eoin Sheldon, Colm Lenihan, Cian O'Toole, Brian Nolan, Eoin O'Connell, Billy John Caplis, Stephen Rochford(Capt.)

Referee: Sean O'Connell