Rearcross U-12's kicked off their NTSFL campaign with an away game in Templemore on Wednesday evening and turned in a creditable performance before finishing on the wrong end of a 2-1 score line. Indeed, the Rea bhoys will rue not reflecting their dominance in the opening half creating a string of chances and were also luckless to be denied by the woodwork in two occasions. Patrick Dawson was first up in the second minute with a rasping effort from the right which thumped against the post. This was followed with further efforts from Eoin Sheldon and Brian Nolan before Patrick Dawson was in the action again with a low drive which was saved at the near post. Rearcross keeper Cathal Kennedy was pretty much a bystander for most of the half as the visitors continued to surge forward, Cillian Kennedy swung in the cross to Patrick Dawson who was unlucky not to connect the header on target. Cian O'Toole produced a fine display on the evening and did well on the right to pull the ball in to the danger five minutes before the break, however BT Harps booted to safety. Rearcross were denied the lead just before half time when Stephen Rochford's low belter clipped the bottom of the upright. The second half was a more even affair, however BT Harps edged ahead ten minutes in when a corner swung in from the right was finished to the net by Kevin Sheehy. Rearcross counter attacked and Colm Lenihan linked up with Eoin O'Connell who wasn't far away. Arron Kennedy then laid off to Stephen Rochford whose long range effort dragged just wide. Rearcross got a deserved equalzier with eleven minutes remaining to play when Eoin O'Connell did well to finish from close range. BT Harps were quick to respond and restored their advantage two minutes later when Rhys Loughnane ghosted through unmarked before knocking between the posts. The away side piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes but were unable to bag the equalizer their effors deserved but nevertheless turned in a committed performance on the evening which augers well for the season ahead.

BT Harps 'B': Cian Stapleton, James Fogarty, DJ Leahy Taryn Purcell, Rhys Loughnane, Cory Morrissey, Tom Wilkinson, Ali Aisson, Patrick Moloney, Niall Moloney, Kevin Sheehy

Rearcross U-12's: Cathal Kennedy, Colm Lenihan, Cillian Kennedy, Paul Nolan, Andy Kinnane, Sean Malone, Patrick Dawson, Stephen Rochford, Cian O'Toole(Capt), Danny Poyzer, Aaron Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Eoin O'Connell, Eoin Sheldon

Referee: Ger Roche