Senior Men: Ratoo Rovers 1 v 2 Samphires (Scorers: Chris Murphy, Ciaran Ford)
Our seniors steadied the ship with a good win away to Ratoo Rovers in Ballyduff last Sunday morning. Our first goal was scored by Chris Murphy and Ciaran Ford scored a penalty soon after after Chris was taken down in the box. Both goals were in the first half with Samphires playing into a strong wind. The 2nd half was an even affair with Ratoo scoring in the final minute of the second half of a hard fought game. The score ended 2-1 to Samphires and is a welcome boost after the defeat last week.
Boys U15s: Samphires 2 v 1 Camp (Scorers: Charlie Nolan, Cian McKenna)
We played Camp last Saturday in Fenit and like the reverse fixture 2 weeks ago, it was close throughout. Camp were the more likely team in the first half where we continually rushed the ball and none of our players were able to control the ball and put some order on proceedings. On the other hand Camp had a number of players who had the ability to take it down and looked impressive. At least we did apply pressure in all areas of the pitch and didn’t give much space to Camp resulting in a scoreless first half. We didecided to take care of the ball in the 2nd half and this effectively made the difference, especially with Conor marauding down the wing. After 15 minutes of the 2nd half Cian played an exquisite ball through their defence for Conor to get on to, he crossed and there was Charlie with a perfectly timed run to tap the ball in. Cian himself scored after a great move down the left started by Kealan, carried on by Michael and finished off by Cian. We possibly might have scored another but Camp weren’t making it easy and they scored themselves to give us an uncomfortable final few minutes. Final score was 2-1 to us. Well done to both teams for a very good contest.
Girls U13s: Listowel Celtic 5 v 3 Fenit (Scorers Siofra 2, Alisha 1)
Our U13 girls played away on Saturday morning to Listowel Celtic in the 4th round of the U13s Premier Division. A real solid performance by our girls who faced a top of the League side. We got support from our u12 girls which is very much appreciated. We started very strongly with some lovely balls over the Listowel defence to cause trouble in the opening 10 minutes. We took the lead 15 minutes in with a quick ball over the top and Alisha had a fine finish. Listowel responded quick with a cracking goal to pass our goalkeeper in the top corner. Listowel took control after this and were very strong in midfield. Again another ball over top and finished by Siofra gave us an unexpected lead but shortly cancelled out by another Listowel goal after our defence were just unable to clear their box. The 2nd half we got tired as we had no subs and fielded only 10 players but never gave up. We scored another one to Listowel’s 3. Listowel deserved their victory but we will take plenty of positives from the this one. Ciara was fantastic in goals. Sarah, Isabel, Louise and Nessa were amazing at back with Aoife supporting defence. Siofra and Emma worked tirelessly give done beautiful attacking balls to Alisha and Doireann who were dangerous throughout. Captain was Aoife Trant and GOFTM were Sarah O’Sullivan and Ciara Quilter.
Boys U13’s Premier Samphires 1 v 3 St Brendan’s Park (Scorer: Tom Lenihan)
A disapointing result for us against the strongest team so far in the division. We started brightly and were in control at the back and while we were under pressure in midfield we created a few half-chances , one of which ended up with Mike Corridan hitting the post from a narrow angle. The game was back and forth but Park went one up after a defensive mix-up fell to their left winger who hit a great shot into the top corner. 0-1 to the Park at half-time.
The game became a little scrappy in the 2nd half and we tired a little. Our clearances out of defence was getting cleaned up by Park and we came under greater pressure. From a left wing cross their centre forward scored with a neat finish. However we battled back and created a few half-chances before Tom Lenihan scored from a free kick. We pushed for the equaliser but got caught again with a scrappy goal after the ball was not cleared in our 6 yard box.
Things to work on but the effort and work-rate could not be questioned. MOTM for Samphires was Alan O’Connor centre-half.
Boys U13 Division 2 North: Fenit 2 v 2 Castleisland (Scorers: Cillian Foley, Jack Corridan)
This was a really marvellous game of soccer, between two teams playing open expansive football, in good conditions. We started well, gaining control of the ball, and having the confidence to play the good passes, and build opportunities. Castleisland however went one goal up with a smashing finish from their number 11. We battled back, particularly with Rory Clifford driving at pace up the left wing. Eventually Cillian Foley levelled the score with quality and confidence that Cillian brings to the team. Castleisland played some clever soccer, switching the ball from left to right, and causing us all kinds of problems in defence, but our boys held firm, Conor O’Sullivan, Brian Kelly, Eamon Wiseman, and Nathan Lewis really playing a blinder. Castleisland’s number 11 struck again with a strong strike of the ball from outside the box. But soon after Jack Corridan hit the post, but converted the rebound into the top corner. The game finished 2:2. A good day out.
Boys U11s: On Sunday morning in Fenit our U11s played out a great game against a strong Park B team. We played our best football all year and the teams were really evenly matched. Some great team work and we played very well as a unit. Also great goal direct from corner by Evan. It’s great to see the improvement in the boys in the past few months. Well done all and thanks to the Park for sporting contest.
Congratulations to Brendan and Noreen Murphy of Samphire Terrace, Fenit, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently.
Well done too to Samphires Thomas Lenihan and Bobby O’Regan who lined out for London last Sunday in Division 4 of the GAA National Football League.