U12A Schoolboys Team sponsored by Automania
Umbro CSL Under 12 Division 6
Regional Park
Ballincollig 4 – 2 Waterloo
This well deserved victory puts Ballincollig up to second place behind leaders Ballinhassig with a game in hand.
Ballincollig opened the scoring on twenty minutes when Colm Crowley playing left back passed the ball up the wing to Aaron Roche who in turn crossed a lovely ball to Mark O’Sullivan to finish off a great move and give Ballincollig the lead. Chances were plenty for Ballincollig but only for the inform Waterloo keeper the lead at half time would have been greater.
The second half was at a much faster pace with Ballincollig pressing hard for the second goal. Against the run of play Waterloo scored the equalizer despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Alan Hennessy. Ballincollig raised their game again and two quick goals from Chris Anaba made the points safe for Ballincollig. Peter Kelleher kept putting pressure on the Waterloo defence with great crosses all evening. It was from one of Peter’s crosses that Ballincollig’s fourth goal came.
Peter swung in a great corner for Darragh Kelly to power home a rocket of a header. Ciaran Sheehan came close to adding to Ballincollig’s tally but again the Waterloo keeper denied him. Waterloo scored a second on the final whistle but the points were already gone to Ballincollig.
This was a great team performance with Jack Hoey, Keith Fehily, Chris Anaba and Peter Kelleher putting in huge performances and man of the match goes to Killian Derwin. Congratulations to our club mates on the other Under 12 team with their great victory in the National Cup.
U12 Premier Team sponsored by Walfab Engineering
SFAI U12 Norton Cup Round of 32
Regional Park
Ballincollig 4 – 0 St. Brendan’s Park
A convincing win sees Ballincollig into the last 16 to face Athy Town in Kildare. The game was played in the Regional Park in great weather before a large crowd for which the home team was very grateful.
Ballincollig established a hold on the game early on but it took a while to get the first goal. On the quarter hour mark, a long pass over the top from Kevin Browne in midfield, set Japhet Mata away and he made no mistake with his finish, low to the goalkeeper’s right. Ballincollig launched raids down the flanks with Jamie Manahan & Ruairi Cotter causing problems. Brian O’Callaghan battled well up front again just behind Japhet and used the ball intelligently when needed. He put in a few defence splitting passes and it was from one of these that Ruairi crossed for Japhet to finish again to score for his second of the game. The away side found it difficult to get hold of the ball and Sean Lucey in midfield put himself about well. At half time the ’Collig were still two goals to the good
The second half started well again for Ballincollig, but after 10 minutes, the Tralee side got on top for a spell. Despite this and the pressure they encountered, the defence held firm in front of goalkeeper Aidan O’Donovan. The only time that Aidan was beaten, Evan O’Mahony popped up on the goal line and cleared the ball with his right foot at full stretch. David O’Leary also cleared with a header from an incoming forward and so Ballincollig breathed easy again. Following this, Ballincollig were awarded a free kick of their own at the other end of the pitch. Up stepped Shane O’Mahony and made no mistake from 25 yards to make the score 3-0. This knocked the fight out of Tralee and the last 5 minutes was spent in their half. There were also great performances from Lorcan McVeigh, Alan Walsh, Adam Birch, Matt Whelan & debutant Robbie Burke. It just shows the fitness of this team though when, in injury time, left back David O’Leary went on a run from his own half and played a one two with Brian O’Callaghan in midfield. He continued his run and when the final ball was squared to him by Japhet, he finished past three defenders on the line to make the score 4-0 to Ballincollig.
This is the first time in two years that St. Brendan’s Park have been beaten by more than one goal. A great achievement. Once again, thanks to Ballincollig Rugby Club for the great hospitality shown to both teams after the game.
Ballincollig’s U12 Premier team progressed to the next round of the National Cup with a great win over Kilkenny opposition. One very early goal settled the affair. The management would probably settle for 1-0 wins all the way to the final but the hair, fingernails and hearts might be the worse for wear because of it.
The pitch in the Regional Park was in pristine condition for which the team and management were very grateful. Freebooters came to Ballincollig in confident mood having beaten Tramore away in the previous round. However, Ballincollig haven’t been beaten so far this year in any competition and the confidence in this team was also high. The game got off to a blistering start for the home team with Japhet Mata scoring within 35 seconds of the kick off. This seemed to upset both sides for the next while as neither knew how to react to this unusual beginning. Both teams seemed to be in shock and so the next 10 minutes were very scrappy. Eventually, both teams settled down and started to play their football. Ballincollig had the better of the play in the first half but neither team was able to settle down to its passing game, as early pressure on the player on the ball was the order of the day. Chances were at a premium, with a couple of one on ones but the away keeper was in fine form and thwarted Japhet on several occasions. Aidan O’Donovan in goal was never really troubled and was on his game any time he was called upon. Shane O’Mahony mopped up behind the defence whenever the ball came through. Sean Lucey got a couple of shots away but the goalkeeper’s positioning was excellent both times and so the score remained 1-0 to the home side at half time.
The second half was another tough encounter, with players going down injured from time to time due to the physicality of the game. Nothing less than expected as nobody really got time to settle on the ball. As the game wore on, Freebooters put 3 or 4 players up front in an attempt to get back level, but Lorcan McVeigh, David O’Leary & Evan O’Mahony put their bodies on the line when necessary. Shane O’Mahony, however, was man of the match and seemed to be in the right place every time when needed. The only real chance for the away side came when a clearance dropped outside the penalty area. The Freebooters midfielder caught it on the half volley only to clip the top of the crossbar with everyone looking on. This, to be fair, was the only moment of anxiety for Ballincollig as they confined the Kilkenny club to long shots from afar. Ballincollig were now playing on the break and Jamie Manahan, Japhet, Ruairi Cotter and Brian O’Callaghan tried hard to make one other attempt count and seal the game but none was forthcoming.
Ballincollig then had to add Liam Hartnett and Alan Walsh to their defence to deny Freebooters who now had 5 up front. Under Kevin Browne’s captaincy this team was never going to lie down and so the last chance of the game fell to Japhet from a perfect Sean Lucey cross. Japhet flicked the ball goalwards, with the keeper beaten only to see his attempt just clear the crossbar. The referee then played 5 minutes extra, due to injuries and substitutions, which didn’t do the blood pressure any good but Ballincollig were good value for their win and so progressed to the next round. They now have another home draw in the last 32 to St Brendan’s Park of the Kerry Schoolboys League in the coming weeks.
The team and management would like to thank all the supporters who showed up and gave the team great encouragement on the day and hopefully will get everyone back down again in a couple of weeks time. Both teams then adjourned to Ballincollig Rugby Club and enjoyed great hospitality from our friends there who always look after us. A special mention to Dave Lucey and Mossie O’Donovan for catering for both teams and management. Freebooters were very complimentary also on the way they were treated and this is what schoolboys football should be all about.
The U12 Premier team sit pretty on top of the league and are also out of Cork in the National Cup. On Saturday the 13th of February at 2 p.m. they will host Freebooters from Kilkenny. This represents the greatest challenge to date for this young team. Any body who can get down to support them in the Regional Park should do so as they will enjoy what promises to be an entertaining game of football.
U12 Premier Schoolboys
Umbro U12 Leagues CSL Premier Division
Moneygourney, Sunday 20th December 2009, 10.30 a.m.
Douglas Hall 0 – 3 Ballincollig
After six weeks without a game due to the weather, Ballincollig’s Under 12 Premier Team travelled to Douglas Hall. Conditions were near freezing but due to the all weather pitch at their disposal, the match went ahead. Ballincollig wanted to get their passing game going early and despite the lay off, they started very well. Plenty of good football got them into positions in their opponents half and they had Douglas under pressure from the start. The Douglas Hall goalkeeper had his hands warmed early with a shot from Japhet Mata and Ballincollig forced a succession of corners. Nothing came from these early attacks and the home side made it more difficult by playing five at the back and only one striker in an effort to frustrate Ballincollig.
The away team kept plugging away and from a Douglas hall breakaway they took the lead. Evan O Mahony won a great tackle at the edge of his own penalty area and passed the ball down the right hand side where a quick move involving Ruairi Cotter and Brian O Callaghan set Japhet free. Japhet’s pace took him around the goalkeeper and he finished with ease. Douglas Hall to their credit played well on the break but only had two chances, one of which came back off the crossbar and was cleared to safety by the covering Ruairi Cotter. The score at the break saw Ballincollig one up on the Hall.
Playing up the slight hill in the second half and also from the efforts of the first period, Ballincollig took a while to get into their stride. Sean Lucey and Kevin Browne again got a grip in midfield and from then on the game looked safe. A great ball down the left from Jamie Manahan found Brian free and as the ‘keeper advanced Brian lobbed it over him, only to see it come back off the crossbar. However, Japhet was following, up as a good striker should, and his header finished it to the net. The defence then came under pressure for a short time but with great direction from goalkeeper Aidan O Donovan, they held firm. Deservedly, for his non-stop work during the game, Brian O Callaghan got the third goal with 5 minutes left and again it was at the end of a great move. He finished it brilliantly and the goalkeeper had no chance. A good end to the year for this team who remain unbeaten in the league, with seven wins and a draw, scoring 28 goals on the way and a game in hand over the team in second. Keep up the good work lads. They don’t hand out the medals at Christmas.
U12A Schoolboys sponsored by Automania
CSL Umbro U12 Leagues Division 6
Regional Park, Sunday 13th December
Ballincollig A 5 – 1 Mayfield United A
Ballincollig secured all three points in this top of the table clash against Mayfield. Ballincollig started brightly and were two goals up at half time after Jason Murray and Stephen Falvey found the net. The second half started much the same with Ballincollig creating many of the chances with Mark O’Sullivan and Peter Kelleher nearly finding the net. The Mayfield keeper was determined to keep his side in the game though and produced good saves to deny Ballincollig on several occasions. Despite the best efforts of Alan Hennessy in goal Mayfield did pull one back. However with Jack Hoey and Killian Derwin mastering the defence they made sure this was the only goal Mayfield would get. Super sub Christopher Buckley finished off the fight left in Mayfield with two goals within 10 minutes to make sure that ‘Collig went back to top of the table. The best goal was still to come when Cameron Lucey ran with the ball from his own box skipping past the opposition and firing past the Mayfield Keeper. This was a great team performance. Best on the day were Rian Fitzgerald, Darragh Kelly, Gavin Lane, Aaron Roche, Sean Murphy and Colm Crowley. Keep up the good work lads
We are very thankful to Automania who have sponsored the new away strip for our U12A Schoolboys. Make sure to give them a look for your car needs.
U12 Premier Schoolboys
Umbro U12 Leagues CSL Premier Division
Ballea, Sunday 8th November 2009, 10.30 a.m.
Carrigaline 0 – 2 Ballincollig
Ballincollig under 12 premier team visited Carrigaline last Sunday morning. The game went ahead due to Carrigaline’s fantastic all-weather pitch which is part of their new development at Ballea Park.
From the kick-off Ballincollig knew they were in for a hard match. Carrigaline have proved very difficult to break down in the league this season and so it proved again. Despite going at their opponents from the start, last ditch tackles and good saves from the Carrigaline goalkeeper stopped Ballincollig taking the lead early on. Ruairi Cotter and Jamie Manahan raided down the flanks with Brian O Callaghan and Japhet Mata worked tirelessly up front making it difficult for the defence to get the ball clear.
There was some great passing from the away team and it looked only a matter of time before the goal came. When it did it was as a result of a great midfield passing move. When the ball arrived at Japhet’s feet he took on the defender and made his pace count. He closed in on goal and from 10 yards out he made no mistake giving the goalkeeper no chance. Ballincollig went in at the break one goal to the good.
The home team came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and Ballincollig were under pressure for some time. Sean Lucey broke up play in midfield which prevented Carrigaline mounting many attacks. Ballincollig hearts were in their mouths when Kevin Browne put in a fantastic tackle in the box and the Carrigaline attacker went over. All eyes were on the referee who seemed to point to the penalty spot but relief all round when he clarified the decision and awarded a goal kick. A correct decision, but when you’re away from home you don’t always get those ones.
From this point on Ballincollig got back in control and the defence held strong all through with great tackles being made when needed. In fact, the confidence of the team showed through when sweeper, Shane O Mahony, took the ball and ran the length of the pitch with only ten minutes left. Japhet was to make the game safe with five minutes to go when a great move finished with Jamie laying the ball off to him. Japhet feigned to play a one-two with Jamie and when the defender was wrong-footed he took off in the opposite direction again making no mistake with the finish. A great result away for Ballincollig at a ground where other teams will struggle to come away with anything.
U12 Premier Schoolboys
Umbro U12 Leagues CSL Premier Division
Regional Park, Sunday 1st November 2009.
Ballincollig 6 – 4 Mallow United
Ballincollig’s Under 12 Premier team posted its 5th win in 6 league games last Sunday in the Regional Park. One of the only fixtures to go ahead in the schoolboys’ league due to the weather, Ballincollig were glad it did.
A blistering start with one of their best first half performances had the home side 6-1 ahead at half time. This was down to “six” different goal scorers on the day. Japhet Mata, Shane O’Mahony, Ruairi Cotter, Jamie Manahan and Evan O’Mahony chalked up the goals and an own goal was deflected into Mallow’s net from an in swinging Japhet Mata corner. Only for the Mallow goalkeeper the margin would have been even bigger with fabulous saves from Jamie and Japhet during the first half.
This level was always going to be difficult to maintain after the break and so it proved. Ballincollig didn’t score in the second period and conceded three further goals but never really looked in danger of losing the points. Before this game Ballincollig were third and Mallow were fourth. As both Kilreen and Mayfield didn’t play this result has Ballincollig top of the division with a game in hand over the team in second. Early days yet but the view from up top is definitely a nice one.
An indication of the level that this team has set itself was that some of the heads were down at the end, despite having won 6-4. This team is still unbeaten so far this season but a valuable lesson about not letting the effort drop was learnt by everyone. Best on the day were Shane O’Mahony, Ruairi Cotter, Jamie Manahan, Evan O’Mahony and a special mention for Aidan O’Donovan who’s handling in such difficult conditions was excellent.
