Suncroft 3-7 Straffan 2-11
A windy day in on a fantastic surface in Raheens was the setting for this Intermediate Championship 1st round encounter. Suncroft came in to the game with a league record of played 7 won 1 and lost 6. However league form counts for very little on Championship day. Straffan were overwhelming favourites but after 20 minutes it was Suncroft 2-2 to Straffan's 0-3. The game was typical Championship football, full of energy, commitment, mistakes and skill. Suncroft went in to the dressing rooms at half time leading 2-4 to 1-5.
Suncroft got the first point of the second half only for Straffan to reply 3 minutes later. The game ebbed and flowed and with the Croft playing into a stong wind they were playing some great football. In the 43rd minute Suncroft scored a fantastic team goal that was finished off with sublime skill by the excellent Eoghan Lawless. However Rob Kelly put the ball in the Suncroft net 2 minutes later. From there on Straffan continued to score 5 points and the Croft scored 1. In the 33rd minute of the 2nd half Straffan scored the winning point. A cruel blow to the men from the Croft. A real nail biting game that was full of excitement and passion. The men from the Croft gave everything from the throw in and never stopped playing. With three minors on the team and several more under the age of 23 and along with the experience of Ciaran Dowling, Trevor Moran, Fionn Dowling, John Phillips, Alan Middleton, Noel Birchall and more, this squad has great potential.
Suncroft now go in to draw for the next round along with Caragh, Rathangan, Kill, Ellistown, Ballymore, Castledermot and the losers of Sallins/Nurney.
Team: 1. Lorcan O’ Rourke, 2. David Nolan, 3. Maurice Moran, 4. Correy O’ Sullivan, 5. Dean Slattery, 6. Derek Slattery, 7. Noel Birchall (CAPTAIN), 8. Fionn Dowling, 9. Thomas Cleary, 10. Alan Middleton, 11. Ciaran Dowling, 12. Ciaran Troy, 13. Eoghan Lawless, 14. Dean King, 15. Ryan King, 16. Thomas Dempsey, 17. Kevin Delaney, 18. Harry Dolan, 19. Eoghan Brannock, 20. Ciaran Brennan, 22. Anthony Delaney, 23. Luke Cowley, 24. Adam Talbot, 25. Eoin Troy.
Manager: Wayne Middleton