Away defeat for Rearcross U-13 Boys in Bowl semi-final

Rearcross travelled to Borrisokane for this U-13 Bowl semi-final and started the brighter when a couple of efforts by Jonathan Dawson and Conor Nolan had the Borrisokane defence on their toes. Rearcross took the lead on 12 minutes when a long ball by Jack Hickey from defence troubled the Borrisokane defence, Patrick Carr was quickest to the ball and a lovely flick over the on-rushing keeper put the Rea boys 1 up. Jonathan Dawson and Ciaran McLoughlin then both saw efforts go wide in close succession. A Michéal Collins volleyed effort from just inside the box would have been goal of the season after good work by Jonathan Dawson set him up. Darragh Reynolds made two fine saves from Borrisokane counter attacks. Rearcross should have made it 2-0 when a clever short kick out by Darragh Reynolds to Jack Hickey who in turn released Michéal Collins down the right flank, Michéal’s delivery into the box was met by the in-rushing Conor Nolan whose effort was somehow cleared off the line with calls from the Rearcross players that the ball was over the line. Rearcross had claims for a penalty denied minutes later when a brilliant through pass by Patrick Carr saw Conor Nolan beat the on-rushing keeper to the ball only to be upended in the box as Rearcross went in at half time unlucky not to be further ahead
Rearcross got off to the worst possible start in the second half when a badly struck back pass was gathered by the Borrisokane no.9 who just got to the ball before the on rushing Darragh Reynolds to level matters at one goal apiece. Borrisokane were lifted by this early goal and piled on the pressure. Darragh Reynolds had to be sharp on two occasions to deny the home team. Borrisokane increased their lead when a brilliantly struck corner kick went into the Rearcross net. Rearcross started to get more control and had a few efforts on goal from Conor Nolan and Jonathan Dawson. The visitors had claims for a second penalty waved on, when Conor Nolan was taken down but the referee adjudged the foul to be outside the box before the resulting free kick by Jonathan Dawson sailed just wide. Rearcross emptied the bench to get an equalizer but it was to no avail. Borrisokane made it 3 -1 late on to seal the deal and now face Moneygall in the final.

Rearcross U-13 Boys: Darragh Reynolds, Andrew Hanly, Jack Hickey, Stephen Ryan, Matthew Ryan, Michéal Collins, Patrick Carr, Ciaran McLoughlin, Ryan Quigley, Jonathan Dawson, Conor Nolan
Subs Paudie Clifford, Sean Guidera, Cathal Hickey, Liam O'Dwyer, Conor McInerney, Noah Brett

Report by Shane Reynolds