Club News

04/08/03 St. John's 'King of the Castle' in Minor Hurling Championship

St. John's minors left nothing to chance on Monday last when they destroyed an, initially, determined Ballycastle team at home in Corrigan Park in the County championship.

The first half was tight enough with Ballycastle bringing the game to the Whiterock men, going in front 0-02 to 0-04 at one stage before the Blue and Whites started to step up a gear. Points from Liam Boyle, Peter Begley, blood substitute Gerardo Hamilton and Niall McCallin saw St. John's end the first half 0-06 to 0-04 in front.

The defence also tightened up for the last 15 minutes of the first half, Conal Maskey, Niall McCallin, Noel Rooney and Colm McFall impressing in particular to reduce Ballycastle's opportunities. At midfield John Mead and Peter Begley were also outstanding.

'The Magnificent Seven' (and John Mead) in Croke Park

However, the best just started to get better in the second half as St. John's came out all guns blazing and Ballycastle could but take their punishment. A super goal from John Mead capped of a great night for him and also put the game into a fairly safe position for St. John's following a couple of points from Barry McFall, Liam Boyle, Liam Knocker and Simon McCrory.

The St. John's forwards then began shooting for fun as Ballycastle were simply swept away, notwithstanding the fact that they could not penetrate the St. John's defence - Ciaran 'Jackpot' McCurdy (pictured right having his sandwiches before the game) and Joe Herald really coming into their own to back up a superb all-round performance by the defence.

'Jackpot' enjoys his Cheese & Branston pickle

Gerardo Hamilton came on and proved an instant threat to the Ballycastle men sending over a couple of points and scoring a great goal from a one-handed volley after a long range puck from outfield.

Substitute McKillop also got in on the act with a great point from an acute angle over on the right hand wing.

The match can perhaps best be shown by the massive 2-15 scored in the second half by St. John's to Ballycastle's single point - all of St. John's forwards getting on the scoresheet.

The match finished up 2-21 to 0-05.

		St. John's
		K. McGlinchey
C. McCurdy		N. Rooney	C. McFall
J. Herald		N. McCallin	C. Maskey
		J. Mead P. Begley
L. Boyle		L. Knocker	S. McCrory
J. Peoples		A. Oliver	B. McFall
(Subs: G. Hamilton for A. Oliver, F McKillop for J. Peoples)