Our gallant under 16s continued their winning ways in Bennettsbridge on Sunday when they overcame a good Clara side to complete the league championship double. After a tense start, the sides were level at 2 points each when in the thirteenth minute Dylan Lanigan put some space between the sides. He was first to react when a long delivery broke and his goal gave the impressive Clara keeper no chance. Aaron Brennan was in good form from play and frees and Davy Maher’s tireless work was rewarded with a nice point from play before half-time to leave just a goal in it, GBC 1-5, Clara 0-5.
The second half was only 6 minutes old when Dylan Lanigan struck again, gathering posession on the 21 and striking low and hard to the net. Killian Egan owned mid-field and Geordan Davis was cleaning up all over the field. Clara never gave up and added a couple of points from play to keep them in it. At this stage however, Conor Flynn at centre back was dominating and when Aaron Brennan struck a fantastic individual goal on 16 minutes, the win was in sight. Jesse Roberts added a long range point to make it GBC 3-7, Clara 0-8.
Jesse was back for more just a few minutes later when he goaled for the score of the day. The full time score was GBC 4-7, Clara 0-11. This was a comprehensive win for this tallented group against a Clara side that had several very impressive performers. John Hoyne predicted the double for this team back in the post match dressing room, after their first league game against Piltown, a prediction most likely based on the fighting spirit and heart that they have shown all year. Team mentors John, Ronnie, Tom Hogan and Bill Ryan gave maximum commitment to this squad since last January and the lads responded well. Congratulations to all!
GBC: B Cuddihy, T Dunphy, E Walsh, G Doheny, T Ronan, C Flynn, L O’Brien, J Roberts, K Egan, C Hogan, C Prendiville, G Davis, D Lanigan, D Maher, A Brennan.
Subs:D Hoyne, J Everard, G Murphy, P Murphy, A O’Brien, D Young, S Ryan (inj), J Lawlor (inj)