U18B Football Championship Semi-Final
Sarsfields 3-20 Glenavy 2-6
Venue: The Bear Pit
Report and photographs: Brian Hamill
Sarsfield’s booked their place in the U18B Football Championship final after an impressive display at The Bear Pit saw them overcome Glenavy by 17 points.
The hosts made the early running and had built a healthy advantage by half-time. Scores from Oliver Campbell, Paul Doherty, Cormac Mulligan and Dylan Rogers helped Sarsfields dominate possession and territory during the opening period, while goalkeeper CaydenSmith contributed two valuable two-point frees.
Glenavy found scores difficult to come by against a disciplined Sarsfields defence and had to wait until the closing stages of the first half for their breakthrough. Rowan Lavery opened their account before Eoin Nelson converted a two-point free. A late goal from centre-back Christopher McGarry gave the visitors renewed hope, but Sarsfields still held a commanding 0-12 to 1-3 lead at the interval.
Glenavy reduced the gap shortly after the restart through points from Damien Mulholland and Christopher McGarry, but Sarsfields quickly regained control. The turning point came on 33 minutes when Caoimhin McCann found the net, extending the home side’s advantage and restoring momentum.
With Dylan Rogers continuing to influence proceedings from centre half-forward and Cormac Mulligan adding further scores, Sarsfields gradually pulled away. Substitute LeonFerris made a major impact when he struck for a goal within minutes of entering the action, leaving Glenavy facing an uphill task.
To their credit, Glenavy continued to battle and were rewarded when Ryan Green found the net midway through the second half. Further scores from Eoin Nelson, Rowan Lavery and Damien Mulholland kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors.
However, Sarsfields finished strongly. A late goal from Kevin Barry McArdle, who produced an excellent all-round display from wing-back, completed the scoring and ensured there would be no late Glenavy comeback.
By the final whistle, Sarsfields had delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, with strong contributions throughout the field securing their passage to the championship decider.
Sarsfields scorers:
Dylan Rogers 0-6, Kevin Barry McArdle 1-2, Caoimhin McCann 1-1, Cormac Mulligan 0-4, Cayden Smith 0-4, Leon Ferris 1-0, Oliver Campbell 0-2, Paul Doherty 0-1.
Glenavy scorers:
Christopher McGarry 1-1, Eoin Nelson 0-3, Ryan Green 1-0, Damien Mulholland 0-1, Rowan Lavery 0-1.
Referee: Paul McNally (Creggan)
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