Aughlisnafin U-12’s were unable to repeat their superb win away to Dromara earlier in the season. They just had to avoid defeat to secure their first ever East Down Division 2 league title but with three key players missing from the previous game against Dromara the young ‘Fin team were unable to repeat the feat. It was a close first half with nothing to separate the teams at the short whistle, the score 1-5 apiece.
As the ‘Fin tired in the second half a very physical Dromara side were able to take advantage of the circumstances to secure a 5-14 to 2-10 win. The match result had an even wider significant as it meant four clubs, Aughlisnafin, Carryduff B, Dromara and Teconnaught all finished the campaign with seven wins and three losses. With score differences not applicable there will now be a four way play off with the dates, times and venues to be decided by the CCC.
Aughlisnafin team : A Flanagan, P O’Hare, M Quinn, M Flanagan, E Lyttle (0-1), M Croskery (0-4), C King (0-4), R Clarke (1-0), C Donnelly, O O’Neill, D McKibbin Subs: J Keenan, N King (0-1), O Maguire, D Burns, D Murphy.
The East Down Board have formed graded Summer Leagues consisting of Four divisions drawn from the finished placings of the three competitive leagues just finished. With Aughlisnafin finishing joint top in Division 2 they have been placed in the new re-formed division 2 with Bryansford, Castlewellan, Loughinisland and St Paul’s all coming for the existing division 1.
The summer leagues will not be competitive and are to provid Go Games for the remainder of the summer. It will be a challenge which manager Francis Boden and his young team will relish after some great performances in this grade this season. The U-14’s also lost out to a physically stronger Castlewellan side. The St Malachy’s team led 5-10 to 3-02 at half time but the ‘Fin matched them in the second half with both sides scoring 1-3 apiece. Without the services of regular half backs Jack and Conor Matthews the reshuffled ‘Fin defence struggled to contain the ‘Town’s attacking threat in the first half.
In the second half Eoin Lundy was switched to centre half back and this curtailed the ‘Town’s play maker Carville however Lundy’s attacking prowess was sacrificed as a consequence. Final score Aughlisnafin 4-5 Castlewellan 6-13. There were great performances from Eoin Lundy (1-1), Shea Croskery (1-3), Oran Flanagan (1-1), Michael Clarke (1-0) in attack while defensively Callum Haynes, Jamie Allen, Lewis Casement and Adam Lenaghan stood out. The ‘Fin remain second in the league table behind Castlewellan with their final game of the league campaign away to Liatroim after the holiday period. Due to the holiday period all underage football in the club has now ceased until week commencing 21st July due to the unavailability of coaches/mentors and players due to vacation and gaeltacht commitments. Last year eleven of our underage players attended Campa Chormaic at St Malachy’s High School. This year we have sixteen representatives from the club taking part in the Irish Language Gaelic Sports camp running all this week. The Seniors led visitors Ardglass 1-6 to 0-8 at half time before the seasiders put in a strong second half performance to win 2-18 to 1-8. The next matach for the seniors is Friday 18th July away to Mitchels.
The Ladies won 6-14 to 1-4 away to Killyleagh as they consolidated third place in the Junior League behind leaders Saul and second place Loughinisland. The Ladies will play Loughinisland this Thursday at 7.30 pm in Annsborough. Congratulations to Ladies player Claire McShane who tied the knot with Ruairi McGuigan last Friday in Dundrum. Ruairi playes his club football with Glenn and he is part of the Fin Ladies management team. On behalf of the club we wish them both the very best for the future. The Garth Brooks Theme night was a great success and thanks to everyone who supported this fundraiser for our juvenile teams. The winner of the pair of Garth Brooks tickets was Ciara Kelly. Thanks to our DJ Brendan Lenaghan and Marie Mulholland and the staff of Mulhollands Bar. Due to a reduced uptake the 49 Club is not now a viable fundraiser and so it will cease forthwith. Thanks to all those who contributed. Lotto 12, 17, 24, 25. Eileen McAlinden matched three numbers and won £50.
]]>
