Rearcross U-16 Boys clinch thrilling League and Shield double

Rearcross U-16 Boys capped off a memorable season at Rearcross FC Grounds after being crowned league champions following a 2-2 draw against Lough Derg ‘B’. The hosts had the league title secured coming in to this fixture, so there was an air of celebration around the game which completed a thrilling double for the Rea boys complementing the Shield title won in convincing fashion against Arra Rovers in Templemore last February. Nevertheless, Rearcross wanted to finish the campaign on a high and conditions were perfect for this game with a special mention to Philip Collins and the grounds group with the pitch condition of the highest standard, this was also complimented by the visiting Lough Derg side. Rearcross creating the opening chance minutes in, when a Michéal Collins free kick was collected by visiting custodian Daniel Kelly to deny Conor Nolan who was advancing at pace. The Ballina / Killaloe side hit the front when the hosts didn’t clear their lines as Conor Kaczorek was quickest to react with a nice finish. Rearcross came close to responding straight away when a pin-point pass by Patrick Carr set Conor Nolan away, but Daniel Kelly was quick of his line to avert the danger. Rearcross had the ball in the net moments later but Conor Nolan was adjudged to have been off-side in the build-up and then Conor Nolan was unlucky after being put through by Jack O’Toole but the left footed effort was just outside the post. The league winners elect equalized when a Michéal Collins free kick from outside the box thumped off the cross bar as Patrick Carr was quickest to react before prodding the ball home. Lough Derg were well up for this game and got back in front just before half time as Alfie Mills hit the target with a well worked goal.
Lough Derg showed strongly at the start of the 2nd half and the Rea defence had to be at their best to quell four attacks on the trot. Rearcross settled thereafter and Stephen Ryan advanced out of defence to set Ciaran McLoughlin away but Lough Derg keeper Daniel Kelly was again quick to clear the danger. Liam O’Dwyer who had taken up goalkeeping duties for Rearcross in the second half pulled off a great save to deny Kyle Murphy. It was end to end as Leon Wallace was unlucky to see his shot just over following good work out on the wing. Rearcross were pressing for a deserved equalizer as a Michéal Collins free kick saw Stephen Ryan rise highest, but the headed effort was somehow prevented from crossing the line by the visiting rearguard. The league champions got a deserved equalizer when Conor Nolan was fouled in the box, before dusting himself down and dispatching to spot kick to the back of the net with aplomb to leave a final scoreline of two goals apiece.

NTSFL Chairman Thomas Dwan presented the U-16 Major League Cup to Rearcross captain James Costello before the celebrations began in earnest in what was a terrific achievement to cap off an outstanding double on home soil.

Congratulations and well done to all players on an excellent season, a special mention to parents for their contribution to this overall success and finally a special word of acknowledgement and thanks to team manager Shane Reynolds and assistant manager Patrick Dawson for their time and commitment throughout the season which truly paid dividends in the end. All involved will take a deserved break before focussing on next season’s campaign.

Rearcross U-16 Boys: Leon Wallace, Jack Hickey, Micheal Collins, Ciaran McLoughlin, Conor McInerney, James Costello (Capt), Paudie Clifford, Patrick Carr, Jack O'Toole, Conor Nolan, Liam O'Dwyer
Subs: Darragh Reynolds, Stephen Ryan, Matthew Ryan
Players not available on the day: Leo Armstrong, Jonathan Dawson, Sean Guidera

Lough Derg ‘B’: Daniel Kelly, Peter Mooney, Daire O’Malley, Mark Lynch, Jack Nelson, Luca McKeogh, Alfie Mills, Connor Kaczorek, Leo Green (Capt), Edvin Pauliunas, William Goode
Subs: Kyle Murphy, Daniel Houlihan, Oisín O’Brien, Senan Rowan

Referee: Riad Ait Ouhamou

Photos courtesy of John Collins