Heartbreaking Cup semi-final defeat for Rearcross U-15 Boys 

Rearcross U-15 Boys travelled to Killavilla on Thursday evening to take on another Premier Division League side in the semi-final of the U-15 Open Cup. It was the home side who took the lead through Torres McLeish in the 13th minute. The Rearcross response was immediate as an Oisin Reynolds kick out cleared the defensive line of Killavilla, before Jack Nolan sped through to finish with aplomb. Darragh Reynolds was called into action and made a double save from Enot Egharevba, to deny the Killavilla forward. Rearcross took the lead when a Darragh Reynolds clearance from his own box, sent Jack Nolan through on goal, who let fly with a powerful effort which flew straight to the net. Killavilla got a fortunate break to level matters when the ball broke nicely to Torres McLeish who was free in space to knock between the posts. The Roscrea outfit hit the front just before half time when Enot Egharevba made a strong run in to the Rearcross box and finished well in to the corner of the net to give the hosts a 3-2 advantage at the half time whistle.
Killavilla showed strongly at the start of the 2nd half and a trio of brilliant saves by our 12-year-old keeper kept Rearcross in the tie. The Slieve Felim side were also having their moments and a Jonathan Dawson effort wasn’t far off the mark after good work by Conor Nolan, while Colm Hickey made a telling tackle to thwart a menacing Killavilla attack. It was proving to be one of those days for Rea when Torres McLeish got through to increase the Killavilla tally to 4-2. Full credit to Rearcross for their never give up approach as Darragh Reynolds made a fine save to deny Alex Andronic and then Sam Hackett was fouled on the edge of the box with a free kick awarded which was a marginal call. The Rea boys kept battling as Jack Nolan was alert to follow through and finish from close range to make it 4-3, however time ran out as Killavilla held on to secure their place in the final. It was a tough defeat for a Rearcross team that surely gave it their all on the evening with a gallant performance against Premier Division opposition. The Team Management gave a complimentary talk to the players after the game and acknowledged the outstanding effort and commitment shown by all players throughout the season. Killavilla are wished the best of luck in the final.

Killavilla United: Daire Ryan, Kelly Egharevba, Sean McLoughney, Ben Leamy, Marko Pasalic, Daniel Cummins, Torres McLeish, Jack Walsh, Enot Iwinosa Ogbebor Egharevba, Alexandru Andronic, Felipe De Campos Silva
Subs: Abby Martin O’Meara, Josh Hutchinson, Fionn Sharpe, Jack Spenser Ryan

Rearcross U-15 Boys: Darragh Reynolds, Seanie Quinlan, Oisin Reynolds, Paraic Carr, James Costello, Conor Carr, Sam Hackett, Liam Brett, Jack Nolan, Jonathan Dawson
Subs: Ronan Hammersley, Ciaran McLoughlin, Colm Hickey, Colm O'Meara

Referee: Hannah O’Brien

Report by Shane Reynolds