Rearcross U-15 Boys lose out in league finale

Rearcross U-15 Boys made a Monday evening trip to Villa Park Roscrea with aspirations to claim a league title when a win or a draw over Killavilla Utd would have been sufficient, however it wasn’t to be on this occasion. Rearcross were not at full strength for one reason or another but went at it from the start, in what was a very hot evening and possession was evenly spread for both teams. Rearcross were always on alert when Kelly Egharevba received the ball out wide and the NTSFL U-14 player was using his pace to good effect. Both defences were in top form with James Costello and Stephen Ryan to the forefront for Rea. Killavilla took the lead in the 28th minute through Kelly Egharevba who received the ball on the left-hand side, before turning back on to his right foot to unleash an inch perfect shot which evaded a fully stretched Darragh Reynolds in the Rearcross goal. The Rearcross keeper was called into action moments later to deny Jack Nash from long range. Both sides had half chances before the half time whistle sounded with Rea's best attempt coming when Patrick Carr latched on to Jonathan Dawson’s corner kick with the acrobatic effort not far away.
A thunderous tackle by Jack Hickey set the tone for the second half as Rearcross went looking for an equalizer. Jonathan Dawson saw an effort gathered at the second attempt by the Killavilla custodian. Another strike from Jonathan Dawson forced a brilliant save out of Jack Ryan in the Killavilla goals. Matthew Ryan had a fine outing for the Slieve Felim side and made a superb tackle to deny Tyler McLeish. The Rearcross rearguard was holding strong to deny Killavilla while at the other end, a Michéal Collins effort from the edge of the box was put out for a corner kick. Darragh Reynolds was in the action again to deny Jack Moloney, and then saved from Ciaran Matthews minutes later. Jonathan Dawson thought he had levelled it for Rea but his effort was blocked out by the keepers’ legs. Rearcross battled gallantly throughout as Ciaran McLoughlin’s strike flew over the bar late on. The final whistle rang out moments later to leave heartbreak for a young Rearcross side on this occasion and it was a case of what might have been against a home side that were given two walkovers at the end of the campaign to set up this finale. Nevertheless, Killavilla are congratulated on their league success and Rearcross will regroup for next season.

Killavilla Utd: Jack Spencer Ryan, Luke Marks, Devin Feehan, Lorcan Nolan (Capt), Jack Nash, Joey Moloney, Tyller McLeish, Ciarán Matthews, Cillian Moloney, Cian McLoughlin, Kelly Egharevba
Subs: Billy Rooney, MJ Quinlan, Jacob Nolan, Harlei Loughnane, Sam Kenneally, Noah Steele

Rearcross U-15 Boys: Darragh Reynolds, Jack Hickey, James Costello, Stephen Ryan, Matthew Ryan, Ciaran McLoughlin, Michéal Collins, Patrick Carr, Conor Nolan, Jonathan Dawson (Capt), C McInerney
Subs: Andrew Hanly, Cathal Hickey, Liam O’Dwyer

Referee: Rory Kennedy

Report by Shane Reynolds