Match report by Philomena Brennan
After the excitement of reaching the Intermediate County Final last October when supporters hoped that 2018 would see the club build on the progress made, all looked forward with anticipation for the first round of the League. Armed with the knowledge that this would be the club’s only match in the immediate future, a large crowd travelled to Canon Kearns Park in Castlecomer last Sunday 15th April.
In what can only be described as atrocious conditions players from both Graigue Ballycallan and Thomastown have to be commended for the attitude they showed in serving up an entertaining match.
Conditions ensured that any score would be vital in trying to achieve maximum points from the tie. GBC played the first half with the benefit of the strong gale and while they opened the scoring it was Thomastown who then took the lead. This lead could have been bigger but for a great save from the Graigue Ballycallan goalie. Slowly GBC clawed their way into the game and were rewarded with a 0-8 to 0-5 lead at the break.
The second half saw GBC take control in defence, especially in the half-back line and with the mid-field pair in flying form GBC pushed forward. However, Thomastown were not to be denied and the last ten minutes saw both sides miss some chances but as time ran out it was evident that they would need a goal to at least gain a point from the encounter. When GBC pointed to put three points between the teams on the 32nd minute the two pints were secured for the locals.
Final Score: GBC 0-13 Thomastown 0-10
A great battling performance from this very young team was the high-light of the game and we can but wait with anticipation now for the next round, whenever that will be.
GBC Team: C.Hoyne, D.Egan (C), B.Murphy,T.Ronan, R.Keoghan, E.Egan, K.Egan, S.Butler, J.Roberts, B.Ryan, C.Prendiville, V.Teehan, A.Brennan, S.O’Dwyer, S.Ryan.
Subs: T.Dunphy for V.Teehan
GBC Scores: S. Ryan 0-8(7fs), A.Brennan 0-2, C.Prendiville 0-2, B.Ryan 0-1