Thrilling performance from Rearcross U-16's to clinch Shield Title

Rearcross U-16 Boys turned in a thrilling performance against Arra Rovers to clinch the U-16 Shield title in perfect conditions on a resplendent BT Harps All Weather Pitch last Saturday evening. Rearcross were full of confidence following their win against Ardcroney the previous Monday and hit the ground running with a Jonathan Dawson effort which hit the butt of the left-hand post before going wide. Arra Rovers can thank their keeper Noah McElroy for keeping out another effort by Jonathan Dawson after he was played through by Patrick Carr. Another sweeping move started by Matthew Ryan involving Jonathan Dawson saw Conor Nolan running into space as his effort hit the upright before being cleared out for a corner kick by the Arra defence. The resulting delivery by Jonathan Dawson was headed just over the crossbar at the back post by Conor Nolan. Liam O'Dwyer was unlucky not to hit the target with a volleyed effort from a Conor Nolan cross. The incessant pressure paid off when Rea took the lead after good build up play by Patrick Carr and Jonathan Dawson as the latter played a brilliant pass to the in running Conor Nolan who dispatched to the net with a fine strike. The Arra Rovers forwards were deprived of good quality ball all through the opening half, thanks to constant pressure from the Rea midfield and defence with their best chance cleared by Rearcross keeper Darragh Reynolds. Rearcross doubled their tally when a thumping defensive header by Michéal Collins went over Arra's defensive high line and it was Jonathan Dawson who was quickest to react to chip the ball over an advancing Noah McElroy, before calmly slotting home. There was no let up from the Martin O’Toole Electrical sponsored side as Jonathan Dawson made no mistake to stretch the lead to 3-0 after being set up by Conor Nolan. Rea finished the half strongly as Conor McInerney at left back won the ball with a firm tackle before releasing Liam O’Dwyer down the left flank who in turn picked out Jonathan Dawson but the thunderous effort struck the crossbar. Another effort by Jonathan Dawson saw the Arra custodian make the save. The Portroe side were trying hard to breakdown the Rearcross rearguard with Michéal Collins and Darragh Reynolds to the fore.
Rearcross went 4 up early in the 2nd half when Leon Wallace was fouled out on the right, the resulting free kick by Jonathan Dawson wasn’t cleared by the Arra defence and it was Michéal Collins who reacted quickest to dispatch to the net from close range. Rearcross were dictating the pace at this stage and stretched their lead to 5 when a quickly taken free kick by Jack Hickey released Jonathan Dawson who launched a long-range effort as Michéal Collins raced in at the back post to get the vital touch. It was proving to be a difficult evening for the Portroe side when Darragh Reynolds made a fine save to deny Oisín Hogan. Arra to their credit kept fighting and were again denied by Conor McInerney who cleared off the line. The purple patch continued as Cody O’Connor tried his luck with a long-range shot but Darragh Reynolds was well positioned to collect. The Rearcross custodian then produced a brilliant save to deny Dylan Darcy before Michael Gray was unlucky not to find the net. The victors elect resumed control in midfield and good combination play involving Ciaran McLoughlin, Patrick Carr and Conor Nolan released Jonathan Dawson, who used his strength and speed to get past the Arra defence to complete his hat-trick with aplomb. Sean Guidera was unlucky not to get on the score sheet late on when his mazy run from the left saw his effort eventually put out for a corner kick. Arra Rovers scored a consolation goal late on through Oisín Hogan, but the day belonged to the Slieve Felim side in what was an excellent display of attacking football. Rearcross captain Jonathan Dawson accepted the trophy from the NTSFL’s Richie Kennedy which was met with loud cheers from Rearcross players and their supporters.

Rearcross U-16 Boys: Darragh Reynolds, Jack Hickey, Stephen Ryan, Michéal Collins, Conor McInerney, Matthew Ryan, James Costello, Patrick Carr, Jonathan Dawson(Capt), Conor Nolan, Liam O'Dwyer
Subs: Ciaran McLoughlin, Sean Guidera, Leon Wallace, Jack O'Toole

Arra Rovers: N McElroy, D Quinn, T Ryan, H Hoare (Capt), L Dharam, S Purcell, B Madden, O O’Halloran, M Grey, E Ray, D Darcy
Subs: T Seymour, K McKenna, C O’Connor, B Stanley, D Dillon, A Horan, O Hogan

Referee: Niall Connolly

Report by Shane Reynolds