Our U13 Development Footballers hosted Ballyroan on Saturday evening for their fourth Development League game.
Portarlington and Ballyroan lined out in their positions awaiting the throw in, each team focused on the task at hand. Ballyroan won possession and immediately put the pressure on Port with an early point on the 4th minute. Port responded to with some heavy attacks on the Ballyroan defence but were off target for the final touch each time, The game developed into a test of stamina for both sides as they pushed each defence hard. Port were rewarded for their efforts with a point scored. Ballyroan managed to gain the upper hand and manoeuvred through Ports defence to score a crucial goal after 18th minute. The half ended with a scoreline of Port 0.01, Ballyroan 1.02 (5).
The half time team talk reinforced positive behaviours, areas for improvement and most importantly set out to boost the morale of the boys. When the coaches were done, Captain on the day Tom Maher pulled the all the lads into a circle (even though the ref was waiting) got all hands in, and roared, ' We are in this together, TO WIN' , The lads ran back on the field with new energy and determination clearly driven by the half time bonding.
The second half ,saw a completely different Port team. they battled every ball, every kickout and started to dominate the game. Ports defence completely blocked every attack, with some spectacular saves from Michael Mc Callum in goal, which fed the ball down the wings to create several attacks on the Ballyroan defenders. The momentum of the game shifted several times with some amazing performances from each and every one of the Port lads. Oisin Mc Cormack scored a goal in the 16th minute of the half to bring the game to a draw, Port jumped for joy but reset and kept the task in hand. They continued to fight on and gained one last point in the dying minutes to seal Ballyroan's fate for the game. Full time score was Portarlington 1.03 (6), Ballyroan 1.02 (5).
These young lads are showing great promise and will be the future of Portarlington GAA
Team
Michael Mc Callum, Finn Thornton, Sam Petriew, Tadgh O Connor, James Brady, Tom Maher(C) 0.1, Jackson Dunphy, Oisin Mc Cormack 1.1, Sam Lyons 0.1, Dominic Wyse, Adam Yarrow, Eoin Loftus, Jamie Johnston, John Emerson, Cian Whelan, Paidi Burke, Noah Kiernan
