Our 16s won an evenly balanced game at home to league leaders Camp last week by the narrowest of margins. The pitch was a bit on the soft side down the middle due to the inclement weather we have been having but otherwise in tip top shape. We lost the corresponding fixture 3-1 away in Camp a few months ago after conceding 2 penalties on the day and it was imperative we defended better if we were to have any chance. But defend we did when we had to, with everyone doing their bit. The pattern of the game saw us have more possession in general but Camp very dangerous when they attacked. Our back 4 of David Lenihan, Ossie Clifford, Ciaran Murray and Padraig O’Mahony were strong throughout with strong tackles going in, coupled with some excellent covering play, especially by Ossie, when the first man was beaten. Keeper Brian O’Regan cleaned up behind them, was good under the high ball and distributed well. In the middle third, Alan McElligott, Ciaran Carmody, Cormac O Brien, Conor Lowe and Jack Lynch put in a good shift and we were in the game at all times. Christopher Murphy up front ploughed a lone furrow at times but always looked like he could get in for a goal. The first half was nil all with both teams limited to a couple of chances by some good defending. We had more of the ball for the opening period of the second half and looked the more dangerous for a long time but again were restricted to a number of long shots. Chris and Conor had a number of half efforts but couldn’t force it home. Ed Moynihan and Padraig Donnellan came on midway in the half, gave us more momentum offensively and these two were involved in the winning goal with 10 minutes to go. Ed combined with Chris, Conor and Cormac down the left and crossed from the bye line to the onrushing Padraig who beat his man to the ball and finished clinically. For the last 10 it was all hands to the pump as Camp laid siege to our goal but the back 5 were heroic throwing themselves at everything to keep the ball out and giving us victory. Well done to all the players of both teams for such a great game.