Rearcross U-15’s travelled to Shinrone for this U-15 Cup tie on Saturday but played second fiddle to the Offaly outfit on a six nil scoreline with all goals coming in the second half. A repeat of last season’s Cup final where the Rea boys had victory snatched very late on saw the Slieve Felim side missing some key players on this occasion but gave as good as they got in the opening period and deserved to be ahead at midway stage. Rearcross made a bright start as Brian Nolan came close in the 2nd minute with a near goal prod from the edge of the six yard box. Patrick Dawson threatened with successive efforts in a two minute spell and then the move of the half saw Brian Nolan and Stephen Rochford combine to set up Patrick Dawson who was unlucky to see his effort drag left of the post. The best chance of the half fell to Shinrone’s Riann McLoughlin, however the ball flew inches outside the upright. Stephen Rochford let fly with a good effort for Rea, but the ball bobbled in difficult underfoot conditions. Rearcross keeper Cathal Kennedy was called in to action on sixteen minutes after advancing to the edge of the box to gather cleanly and then seconds later made a great leg save to keep the tie scoreless. Paul Nolan and Danny Poyzer showed their mettle with two fine tackles late in the half and then Stephen Rochford fired on target, however James Calvert made the block on the stroke of halftime. The home side got the perfect start to the second half when DJ McLoughlin found space on the edge of the box to drill low inside the upright with just seconds gone. The Niall Ryan Joinery sponsored side were chasing the game after this and the post came to their rescue thirteen minutes in to the half following a goalmouth scramble. Rearcross didn’t give up though as Dylan Ryan wasn’t far away with a good effort. Rearcross capitulated in the final fifteen minutes conceding five on the trot, Cathal Kennedy produced the save of the game before Ceilin Murphy sent a rasper to the roof of the net on 55 minutes. Adam Landy got in at the back post to make it three nil minutes later. It was one way traffic at this stage as Riann McLoughlin tacked on goal number four for Shinrone. The Rearcross custodian produced another fine save but the onslaught continued as Riann McLoughlin rounded off his hat-trick. DJ McLoughlin completed the rout just before the full time whistle. Rearcross will re-group and prepare for their next league outing.
 
Shinrone: James Calvert, Conor Sullivan, David Murray, Paul Cleary, Adam Landy, Simon Hayes, Ceilin Murphy, Danny McLeish, Riann McLoughlin, DJ McLoughlin, Darragh Landy, Dillon Hayes, Adam Landy

Rearcross U-15’s: Cathal Kennedy, Cian O’Toole, Andy Kinnane, Danny Poyzer, Cillian Kennedy, Eoin Sheldon, Paul Nolan, Stephen Rochford, Dylan Ryan, Patrick Dawson, Brian Nolan, Sean Malone, Colm Lenihan, Ryan Moser

Referee: David McCarthy