Club News

20/05/02 Senior hurlers and footballers' mixed fortunes during the week

Perhaps it was down to the fact that the hurlers faced a Rossa team who had already a few matches under their belts this year, however Rossa still managed to record a second successive win in as many weeks.

In both matches, despite not playing to anywhere near their ability, the hurlers were still only beaten by a few points (which may be a little concerning for the Rossa hurling team who will no doubt be reveling in their team's success over their bitter Belfast rivals).

In the first match, away to Rossa Park, Rossa dominated the midfield area, enjoyed the most possession and generally won the majority of personal battles around the park in a game which saw both teams finish with 14 men.

In the second match, the first game for both teams in the non-league "Antrim Cup", proceedings were a little closer, however the difference here was the two goals scored in the first half and the senior hurlers' inability to do likewise.

Whilst Fergal Collins and Locky McCurdy picked up nasty injuries during the match, further deepening the hurlers poor run, at least one plus could be gleaned in that Paul Montgomery notched up a high percentage of scores from his frees, much improved on the first match tally by, an out-of-form, Brian McFall.

Whether the team was lacking in match fitness or generally just did not play well one thing is for sure - the only way from here is up and the management will definitely be looking for a better display all round when they face their next league opponents in the coming weeks.

On the footballing front however the picture was different.

The senior footballers advanced through their first championship fixture in a match they were very much expected to win.

St. Enda's form has not been great in previous years and in the end St. John's won comfortably enough - despite a few minor glitches during the game when St. Enda's managed to pull back to within 3 points of them. However, at crucial moments in the game Ciaran Anderson and Locky McCurdy both intercepted well to break up St. Enda's offensives, setting up counter-attacks which yielded scores and strengthened St. John's lead.

Judging by the form of their next opponents, last year's championship winning team St. Gall's, St. John's will be very much up against it and the odds will most certainly be stacked in favour of the Milltown men.

St. Gall's won the pick of the championship round's matches against Cargin and will be favourites to regain their title after knocking out one of the other fancied contenders for this year's crown.

The senior footballer's however will be eager to dispel last year's championship final defeat and this would be the perfect way to do it.

Supporters are urged to turn out in their usual high numbers for the next round of the senior football team's championship campaign, for what promises to be an exciting match.