Antrim Under 15 Hurling League – Division 2

Creggan 2-8 Naomh Padraig 4-5

A goal in the last minute of the game secured a 3 point win for Naomh Padraig against Creggan in the U15 Div2 Hurling League on Tuesday night in Creggan. Trailing by 6 points at half time, a flurry of goals in the second half allowed Naomh Padraig to pip Creggan at the post, who, for long spells of this game, looked like they were going to be the victors.  

Creggan, with home advantage and slightly assisted by the wind, were first off the mark, with a well-executed point early in the game, they would continue to pile on the pressure, with some great passages of play and fine scores. It was thanks to some fantastic defending, in particular Calum Magee in goals, that Naomh Padraig were able to partially keep Creggan at bay. In a rare forage up front, Naomh Padraig registered their first score after about 10 mins, which seemed to spur them into life all over the pitch, however Creggan’s pacey half forward line would continue to cause problems and at the short whistle, Creggan were a well deserved 6 points in front.  

From the restart, it was clear Naomh Padraig management had some words of advice to their team during the break, as they now began to create more chances and shift the balance of play. The Naomh Padraig backs had tightened things up and were playing more direct ball in to their forwards. This sustained effort led to 4 goals, created by intense tackling of the Creggan backs,  Joe Mc Givern, Dara Watson, Ryan Mc Quaid and Donncha Laverty all raising the green flag.  

Creggan now found themselves having to go for goals, but again Calum Magee and his defence came to the rescue, thwarting several chances and managing to hold out until the final whistle  

In an evenly fought contest, perhaps a draw might have reflected the ebb and flow of the game on the night, but Naomh Padraig were relieved to come out on top. Some fine individual displays throughout the field for both teams. A special mention to Adam Scullion who fought valiantly but had to leave the pitch just before half time due to sustaining an injury. Best wishes to Adam on a full recovery and thanks to the assistance from the Creggan mentors and supporters.