Rearcross U-15’s gave it their absolute all in this top to table league title fixture against Arra Rovers at a well-attended Rearcross FC Grounds on Friday evening in what was a pulsating affair that finished on a one all scoreline, but alas the hosts needed to secure all three points to clinch the title. The Rea boys got a perfect start and went ahead with just 36 seconds gone when the first attack saw Patrick Dawson breaking on the right before crossing to Stephen Rochford who headed home from close range. Rearcross kept the pressure on and came close in the 5th minute after a looping effort from Patrick Dawson saw the Arra Rovers custodian palm the ball from under the crossbar. The woodwork then denied the Slieve Felim side after Patrick Dawson’s dropping effort clipped the top of the crossbar. Danny Poyzer produced an excellent performance on the evening and did well to clear from an Arra Rovers corner kick seconds later, the was followed with a fine challenge from Danny Poyzer as the visitors were starting to enjoy some possession. Rearcross threatened again on eleven minutes after Cian O’Toole linked up with Eoin Sheldon before Stephen Rochford’s pop-shot pulled right of the post. Cathal Kennedy came to rescue for Rea after advancing at speed before saving bravely at the feet of Eoin Grace. Arra Rovers got back level in the 18th minute after a speculative delivery was cruelly deflected over the head of faultless Rearcross custodian. Cathal Kennedy was in the action again midway through the half after doing well to hold a dangerous corner kick at the near post. The game was in the melting pot all through and Patrick Dawson’s free kick of out on the left sixteen minutes before the break squirmed across the face of the goal when all was needed was a touch. The visiting side enjoyed a spell of dominance after this with Danny Poyzer and Paul Nolan to the fore with some dogged tackling. Arra Rovers showed strongly at the start of the second half with an Eoin Grace free kick from the edge of the box not far away. The hosts breathed a sigh of relief when Arra should have gone ahead but the blatant chance from in front of goal lifted over the bar from six yards. Stephen Rochford responded by firing a free kick just over nine minutes in to the half. Rearcross had claims for a penalty waved on when Brian Nolan appeared to have been nudged on the end line. A nail biting finish to the tie saw the Portroe outfit coming close again fifteen minutes from time with a effort that flew across the face of the goal and wide of the post, Cathal Kennedy saved with seven minutes to go as Rearcross gave it everything in the remaining minutes but were unable to get in for that elusive goal that their efforts surely deserved. The disappointment at the full time whistle was palpable for all players and indeed supporters, but Team Management of Joey Nolan and James Deegan and indeed all players can hold their heads high as they left everything on the pitch and were so close that a bounce of the ball could have made the difference, but the future is bright for this group of players who showed their emotion for Club and jersey as the tears flowed in the moments after the game. A special word of thanks to Team Manager Joey Nolan who gave unending time and commitment during the campaign and all is not lost yet as Rearcross still have a chance of silverware in the U-15 Plate competition with a difficult away assignment to Ballymackey.

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

Arra Rovers: Jason Quigley, Barry Connaughton, Kieran O’Brien, Sam Madden, Michael Ryan, Daire Hogan, Aaron Sheehy, Gary Spillane, Eoin Grace, Robbie Cremin, Ben Fitzgerald, Shane Keating, Cathal McAuliffe, Cian McInerney, Piotr Mc, Sonny Power

Referee: Jimmy McCarthy