In preparation their league/championship u16 boys played 2 challenges against Stabannon/OConnells St Pats.

The Stabannon/OConnells match was a tight affair with both teams evenly matched physically. Our hosts started playing brightly playing with the wind & took an early lead. A fortuitous goal from Josh Spaight & point from Barra Duffy put us in front although first 2020min period ended all square at 1.1 to 0.4. Wholesale changes for the 2nd minute period & Stabannon/OConnells took full advantage of this to outscore us 0.7-0.3 with some excellent shot-stopping from Mark Leavy keeping the score respectable. The final 2020mins was again close and despite playing against the wind two goals from Niall Brennan and Barra Duffy helped us outscore the locals 2.3 1.4. Overall it was a good challenge for the boys even though we came out the wrong side of a 1.151.15to3.7 scoreline.

The team made significant improvements to their performance in the second game of the week against St Pats. Playing against the wind for the 20 minutes period, 1.1 from Ben Gartlan and 0.2 from Barra Duffy helped the team to a 1.7 to 0.3 lead. The lads played some nice football in the second 2020min period with Mark Leavy finding his scoring boots and contributing 1.3 our 1.4 total during that period. Defence was well marshalled by Jai Akhal and Tom Cunniffe limiting St Pats 0.4 2nd minute period. Tom and Niall made the most of this dominance to chip in with 0.3 each. We gave away a soft goal at tthe end but still outscored St Pats 0.8 1.3 in the final period. Overall the team delivered 21 scores 2.19 1.10 scoreline.

26 players were rotated both games.

Match report of our opening league/championship to follow.