Saul GAC Club Notes for week of May 4th 2008

Seniors - Teconnaught 0-8 Saul 2-8 / Friday nights short trip to Annacloy proved to be a happy one for the Saul faithful as the squad turned in a clinical performance to run out winners by 6 points after a hard-hitting encounter.

In the early stages, the hosts started strongly and registered a few wides before Saul got going with the opening score. Chris Fitz took a sideline ball to Nathan Keenan who worked Michael Vint to provide an inch perfect pass for Adam King to fire over. Every ball was being contested strongly and scoring opportunites were proving hard to come by. A Callum Laverty point added to Saul's tally but Teconnaught started to successfully draw scoreable frees as they punched holes in the Saul backline. 3 such frees were converted to edge the home side in front and and further close-in free extended that lead entering the closing 5 minutes of the half. Questions were being asked of the Saul side and they needed to find a quick response. Returning midfielder Davy McKinlay showed the way when he managed to find a way through for a point against some fierce home defending and then in a similar position, Callum Laverty claimed a breaking ball from a spoiled Saul attack inside the 14 and someone found a path through to squeeze a shot away which nestled in the Teconnaught net for the crucial opening goal. A great length of the field breakway saw Greg Holland claim a great catch in the Saul full-back line, feed Michael Vint inside his own 50 who setup Alan Murray racing into the Teconnaught half. A pinpoint ball picked out senior debutant Chris Laverty who won possession in front of the posts only to be fouled. Up stepped Nathan Keenan to put Saul 3 clear. A further converted free from Teconnaught in time added on saw Saul deservedly in front 1-4 to 0-5 at the break.

As in the first period, Teconnaught restarted the game at pace and before Saul had time to make any attacking progress, they had drawn level with 2 frees. Saul needed to again find a quick response to this and so they did with the vital 2nd major score of the game. Chris Laverty who was growing in confidence in his debut senior game, won possession out at the 50 and flicked a short pass to the pacy Alan Murray. Alan's effort for a point though while on target dropped short of the posts and before the Teconnaught full-back line and keeper could react, Nathan Keenan timed his run to perfection to rise highest and fist the ball to the net to open up a 3 point lead again. Saul were now dominant. Aodhan Brady, Kieran McVeigh, Brendan Donnelly and Greg Holland were prominent in closing the back door to any Teconnaught attacks and Alan Murray was supporting his midfield pairing of King and McKinlay and winning some superb break ball. On one such break, Murray was fouled 30yds out in front of the posts and Keenan made no mistake. Another huge effort from outside the 50 from the on-fire Keenan pushed the lead out to 5 points and Chris Fitzsimons took a pass from Callum Laverty to extend further. On a rare attack, the home side were rewarded with a further converted free before Nathan Keenan closed out the scoring with another immense effort from a long range free. Despite a late Teconnaught free coming back off the crossbar, Saul were home and dry and closed out on a 2-8 to 0-8 win. This was a good team performance and the team have now shaken off a slow start to the league to record back to back wins. Next up is the visit of St Pauls on Thursday night to St Patricks Park for a 7.30pm throw-in and coming off the back of their win over Bosco, this will be a good measure of how both sides are shaping up for an attack on the top half of the table.

U14 Boys - In the Down Finals of Feile on Saturday, the U14 boys put up a great performance before falling to a 1 point defeat by Newry Shamrocks. Earlier in the week in the East Down league, the team had pushed Loughinisland all the way with great performances from Sam Burns in defence, Conor Campbell in midfield and Cathal Sloan in attack. This week, the team hosts Carryduff B at St Patricks Park with the game now on Friday night at 7.30pm due to the switched round of senior league games. Players should be at the pitch for 6.45pm.

U12 Boys - Saul U-12 boys had a home match against Dundrum on Sunday. The match went ahead despite the driving rain and the boys played with great heart and determination in atrocious conditions in the first half.

Saul’s game-plan in the wet conditions was to use the short passing game and it was not too long before Mark McGrady opened the scoring with a superb point. Saul dominated possession around midfield with Niall Molloy producing an outstanding display with some intelligent passing into the quick half-forward line of Jonathan Perry, Gordon Rourke and Ryan Crawford. The switch of PJ Dunlop to full-forward was a master stroke and he quickly got on the score-sheet with a brilliantly taken goal.

Tom Burns and Pierce Laverty had a faultless first-half on the full-back line and linked up well with the impressive Cormac Coulter and Conal McGreevy in defence. The unselfish Lorcan Harney was first to the ball everytime and setup the live-wire Timmy Hayes to double Saul’s score with an excellent goal and point. Conor Hazard was assured in nets and produced some great stops.

On the stroke of half-time, man-of-the match Martan Holland broke out from his full back position and kicked a controlled ball to Niall Molloy who played a simple hand-pass to the running half-back James Gordon who popped the ball over the bar from a difficult angle to leave Saul eight points ahead at half-time.

The rain did not ease at the start of the second-half and shortly afterwards an accidental clash left Dundrum with only thirteen players and their management took the decision to concede the match and the referee awarded the points to a gallant Saul side. Both teams should be congratulated for their courage and they showed tremendous skill in the wet and slippery conditions. The final score was Saul 2-3 -v- Dundrum 0-1.

The U12's don't have a match next Sunday but training continues on Thursday (6.15 - 7.30pm) and Sunday (11.15 -12.30pm).

U12 Girls football - The U12 girls began their league campaign at home to Annaclone on Saturday last and what a performance they laid on for the large crowd of watching parents and supporters. The team were superb throughout the field with Aoife Byrne superbly keeping a clean sheet in goals with at least 3 great saves, Roisin Murphy, Molly Murnin and the superb Ella Rourke in defence limiting Annaclone's access to scoring chances throughout the game. Kate Turley and Anna Vaughan dominated in the midfield and in attack, Sian Laverty and Fiadhnait Brady always kept the visiting defence busy. The Saul girls put on a fine scoretaking display with Kate Turley, Sian Laverty, Fiadhnait Brady, Aoife O'Connor, Anna Vaughan and Rioghach Madden all finding the scoring target. Cara Gordon, Beth Magilton, Olivia Turley, Olivia Morgan, Roisin Rice, Aisling Murphy, Bronagh McErlean and Dearbhla Molloy also did well when they took to the field. Training as usual for the girls on Wednesday night (6.30pm) and on Sunday (12.30pm) before their next game at home to Carryduff next Tuesday (7pm throw-in).

Saul-News?: All results, match reports or snippets on club activity, including photos can be supplied to the club PRO by txt to 07797805460, email to pro@saul-gac.com or by calling 07779351405. Thanks.

* Saul GAC Club Notes for week of April 27th 2008

** Teams Roundup:

*** Seniors - Saul 1-9 Newry Bosco 0-9 / Saul seniors, traditionally slow starters in the league, needed to produce a win at home to Newry Bosco on Weds night to better last season’s start of 1 win in 5. With new manager Jim Prior on board and midfielder Davy McKinlay returning to action for the first time this season, things looked positive prior to throw-in and the Saul lads started brightly competing for every ball with a hungry Bosco side. Playing into the wind in the first half, Saul shared the scoring honours over the opening 20 mins with Nathan Keenan, Michael Vint and Ryan Burns registering minor scores balancing 3 from the visitors. Despite this, Bosco finished strongly and a further 3 unanswered points gave the Newry side a 0-6 to 0-3 lead at the break and plenty for manager Prior to work on during the interval.

Whatever was said in the home changing rooms seemed to fire Saul on the restart. Within a minute Michael Vint took a pass from Chris Fitzsimons and pointed. Almost immediately, Bosco were dealt a heavy blow when they lost a midfielder to a straight red card. With the extra man, Saul started to find the space to work the ball forward at speed. JP Burke collected in half-back and drove long to roving full-forward Keenan who turned to slot over and inside 7 minutes, Saul had drawn level when Adam King pressed forward from midfield, played an interchange of passes with Callum Laverty and picked off a sweet score through the centre. Inexplicably, Saul then changed their pattern of play and the scores dried up as Bosco started to believe they could still get something from the game. The game descended into a midfield scrap for possession with the respective defences repelling scoring opportunities. Entering the closing quarter of the game, Saul found their range again when an incisive move from defence ended with Chris Fitzsimons being put through in front of goal and 3 Bosco defenders contrived to stop him at the expense of a penalty award. Nathan Keenan stepped up to slam the penalty low to the corner and Saul had opened a lead for the first time. When Adam King place Alan Murray for a point, Saul were 4 clear and seemingly home and dry. Bosco though had other ideas and as they started to dominate break ball, they won 2 frees in a panicky Saul rearguard which were converted to leave just 2 in it. Callum Laverty took a McKinlay pass to ease the pressure and inside the last 5 minutes, Michael Vint stroked over a huge free from outside the 50 for a 4 point lead. Bosco continued to press and Saul clearances weren't finding blue & gold shirts. A close in free for the visitors left 3 in it and Saul had to survive a late bombardment including a drive for goal cannoning off the upright before the referee called time and Saul had notched their 2nd win of the Div 3 season.

The squad and management team will be delighted with this win and will also have learned more about themselves as they build for greater challenges ahead. Training continues on Tuesday evenings with the next game away to Teconnaught on Friday night.

*** U14 Boys - congratulations to the U14 boys who defeated St Josephs at the weekend to qualify for the Feile finals which take place this Saturday (venue TBD). The team had great performances from a number of players with Sam Burns, Tony Molyneaux and Ciaran Harney particularly prominent. For Saturdays finals, players are asked to be in Saul, ready to depart at 9.15am on Saturday morning. As usual, help with transport is appreciated.

*** Saul U-12 boys had a tough away match at Carryduff on Sunday. Playing in perfect conditions the boys performed well but squandered a lot of scoring chances in the first half.

Caolan Magee produced another sterling display and for the second week running he created many attacking opportunities and fired over 3 points. Conal McGreevy had another terrific day in goals and his kick-outs were exceptional. Saul’s forwards battled bravely against a strong Carryduff defence. Timmy Hayes had a brilliant first half and scored a superb goal to leave Saul four points behind at half time.

Saul had an unfortunate start to the second half and conceded two early goals but the switch of James Gordon from centre back to midfield seemed to even up the contest. The entire Saul forward line fought for every ball and had ample possession but were unlucky in front of the posts with numerous shots just off-target.

Pierce Laverty and Cormac Coulter showed well on the half back line and took the pressure of Saul’s full back line who tried their best against a quick Carryduff attack. The man of the match award went again to Mark McGrady who scored a goal and a point and showed some tenacious tackling and blocking on all areas of the pitch. The final score was Carryduff B 6-3 -v- Saul 2-4. This was a great team effort with everyone playing their part. Training continues on Thursday (6.15 - 7.30pm) with a home match against Dundrum next Sunday.

*** U14 Girls overcome Downpatrick: The U14 girls began their season belatedly on Monday night with the visit of neighhbours Downpatrick and over the hour, they turned in a performance the management team knew they were capable of but that the team hadn't really reached in training in the runup. Right from the off, the girls dominated through the strong play of Catherine Hamilton and Katie Bohill in the middle. A blazing first half saw the Saul girls comfortably in front with Katie Bohill, Connie Fitzsimons, Fiadhnait Brady, Kate Turley and Eimear Jennings all getting on the score sheet. The Downpatrick girls kept battling away and kept Saul keeper Niamh Fitzsimons and defenders Cara Fitzsimons and Helena Killen busy throughout.

The second half continued in the same vein with Downpatrick threatening every time that Orla Boyle and Aine Connolly got on the ball but the stronger team play of the Saul girls influencing the scoring in a greater way. Scores from Brady, Fitzsimons, Bohill, Hamilton, Sarah Curran and substitute Sian Laverty pushed Saul comfortably past the winning post to start the season in the best possible way to the delight of the management team of Irene Fitzsimons and Margaret Laverty.

Next up for the girls is the away game with Annaclone on Sunday and training will take place on Weds at 6.15pm as usual.

*** U16 Girls - Clonduff 6-6 Saul 6-6 : The U16 Girls of Clonduff and Saul both put their unbeaten runs to the test at a scorching Hilltown on Sunday afternoon and both retained their undefeated status after a thrilling draw before an enthralled crowd.

Saul started slowly in both halves and at times the delay in building momentum looked like it was going to be terminal but credit to the whole squad that they have become very strong finishers. Playing with the advantage of a breeze at their backs, Saul recorded 2 wides before Clonduff took over for the first 20 mins with a strong running and support game that threatened the Saul goal. The home side registered 1-1 and missed a penalty accompanied by a series of wides from good positions. They added a further point as the approached the break and Saul then got going, thanks mainly to the driving influence of Rachel Curran in midfield. On 21 mins, she pushed forward into space that hadn't existed before then and thumped an effort in off the crossbar for the Blue & Gold opener. This showed the rest of her side how it could be done and helped by Tara Laverty in midfield. Saul exploded into life. Curran finished another solo with a second goal for the lead and great work by Katie Bohill and Dearbhaile Gaffney set up points for Rachel Turley and Tara Laverty to send Saul in ahead at the break (2-2 to 1-2).

The Saul girls expected an early 2nd half onslaught from Clonduff and they weren't to be disappointed as the home team restarted in whirlwind fashion and with some great team play, they carved the Saul backline up in the opening 10 mins, registering a 4 goals and a point to open up what seemed to be an unassailable lead at 5-3 to 2-2. The deficit for Saul could have been significantly greater still without some critical defensive blocks by Grainne Laverty and Roisin Sloan and some point blank saves from keeper Niamh Fitzsimons. As in the first half though, the Saul girls showed they weren't quitters. The comeback started when a great pass from Emma Crawford setup Rachel Turley for a goal and a further point from Turley was added to by a screamer of a goal from Megan Smith to leave 3 points in the game at the three-quarter point. A long range Clonduff point was almost immediately cancelled by a superb score from Rachel Turley entering the final 10 mins. A quickfire goal and a point from the home side could have killed Saul off at this stage as the home side pushed further ahead at 6-5 to 4-4 but the girls were not to give in. Connie Fitzsimons registered a point as the game entered the final 5. Clonduff responded with what turned out to be their final score and they led by 7 with time running out. Surely this was too much to overturn. Saul were now dominating around the middle with Grainne Laverty, Dearbhaile Gaffney and Roisin Sloan forming a rock solid half-back line on which Curran and Laverty could drive the Saul girls forward at every opportunity and they were going to give it their best shot. Saul needed a goal though and quickly and it arrived when Rachel Turley picked out full forward Megan Smith who rippled the net. A great surging run from Katie Bohill ended with Katie striking a great point and it was set for a grandstand finish. The kickout again ended with Saul possession and Rachel Curran soloed at the heart of the home defence. With Clonduff backtracking, she let fly from 20yds and as the ball settled in the back of the net, the Saul team and support went wild. Referee Brannigan brought the game to a close shortly after and a great footballing encounter finished with honours even.

Everyone of the Saul squad competed to play their part in this great result from Niamh Fitzsimons in goals who pulled off some fabulous saves and clearances, through Grainne Laverty, Helena Killen, Niamh McMullan, Orla Kearney, Dearbhaile Gaffney and Roisin Sloan in defence, Rachel Curran who orchestrated all things positive from centre field, supported by the tireless running of Tara Laverty and they formed the basis on which Katie Bohill, Rachel Turley, Orla Holland, Emma Crawford, Megan Smith and Connie Fitzsimons could do their work. Great support play from Laura Crawford, Shannon Fitzsimons, Natalia Hynds, Emma Savage, Maire Gaffney and Nicole Leung-Soon was as critical a part of the Saul comeback to claim a vital league point.

Training as usual for the girls on Weds night at 6.15 at St Patricks Park in preparation for the next game at home to Downpatrick on Sunday week (May 11th).

*** Saul-News?: All results, match reports or snippets on club activity, including photos can be supplied to the club PRO by txt to 07797805460, email to pro@saul-gac.com or by calling 07779351405. Thanks.

Some changes have been made to intended fixtures this weekend starting with Friday nights senior game. The All county league fixtures for Div 3 have been put back to April 23rd (next Weds) from tonight. This means that Saul will host Bosco on Weds evening. In addition, the U14 Girls home match against Downpatrick on Sunday has been switched to Monday night - also at St Patricks Park. Finally, the U12 Girls, due to play Burren next week now have a bye as Burren have withdrawn from the league.

There are 2 matches at Saul tomorrow (Saturday) i.e. Saul seniors taking on Steelstown, Derry (complete with former (and future?) Saul player Hugh McGrath) at 3pm with the warmup game at 1pm being the Ulster league U14 Girls match between Down and Tyrone. So for a broad cross-Ulster county experience under the gaze of St Patrick, come along and support the teams.

Saul GAC Club Notes for week of April 6th 2008

Teams Roundup:

After the early and frantic start to the league, the seniors had no game last weekend and have to wait until Friday week for their next Div 3 game at home to Newry Bosco. In the interim, they will play a challenge game at home to Steelstown (Derry) on Saturday. Meanwhile, the reserves tasted defeat in their first game in the East Down Reserve league at home to St Johns. After leading narrowly at the break (2-2 to 0-6) – with the goals coming from Paul Ferris and Nathan Keenan – a thrilling 2nd half and some accurate score taking from the visitors saw the Drumnaquoile side taking home the league points with a 1 point win (1-13 to 4-3). Saul’s scorers in the 2nd period were Greg Holland (1-0), Frank Holland (1-0) and Ryan Burns (0-1). The side know that despite good performances from Ronan Brady in defence, the returning Noel Napier in midfield and Chris Fitzsimons and Nathan Keenan up front, they have room for improvement and the promise of better days ahead.

U12’s overcome St Johns: Earlier on Sunday, the U12 boys began their campaign with a good win at home to St Johns. A strong breeze in Saul’s favour enabled them to build up a 10 point lead by half-time. Goals from Niall Molloy, Timmy Hayes and Caolan Magee (who also added a point) got the Blue and Gold off to a great start. However, the early goals led to the team concentrating on trying to add to their goal tally and a number of chances for points went begging. Thankfully, they didn’t have to rue those wasted chances after the turnaround.

Helped by the wind easing in the second half, Saul continued to play their football and further goals from Gordon Rourke, another from Caolan Magee and Fintan Milligan put Saul in a commanding position. The victory was sealed by a superb point from Conor Hazard. Conor finished the move after himself and Caolan had worked the ball up the field from their own half – he will be doing well to score a better point this season!

A special mention has to go to an outstanding Gordon Rourke who controlled the middle of the field, ably assisted by Niall Molloy. Cormac Coulter and Pierce Laverty were superb, particularly turning defence into attack. PJ Dunlop used the ball intelligently and was strong at centre-half-back while Ryan Doran was full of running up front and never wasted possession. Conor Mahoney and Conal McGreevy made their physical presence felt with some great tackling. This was all-round good team performance. Training continues on Thursday night (6.15 – 7.30) with a league match away to Loughinisland expected next Sunday. Parents help with transport would be much appreciated.

U14’s: The u14s will play 2 challenge games this week, both at home. Tomorrow night (Thursday), Drumaness are the visitors with the players to be in Saul for 6.15pm as usual. On Sunday, St Pauls come to Saul for a further friendly. Players are asked to be at the pitch for 10.45am

Girls Football: Training for the U12, U14 and U16 girls will continue tonight (Weds) at 6.15pm. Sunday then sees the U16 girls play their 2nd match of the league when Newry Bosco come to Saul for a 12.30pm throw-in. The girls will be hoping to build on their opening day success against Drumaness. The squad are asked to be at the pitch no later than 12noon. The U14 and U12 girls will have training on Sunday at 12.30pm as they complete preparations for the league starts. Sunday week will see the U14 girls start the B league at home to Downpatrick and the U12 girls will face the trip to Burren in their first game.

Saul-News?: Make sure that your club is covered - scor, events, training, friendlies, reports on any of these etc can be supplied to the club PRO by txt to 07797805460, email to pro@saul-gac.com or by calling 07779351405. Thanks.

Scor Sinsear: Hard luck to the Saul Ceili Dancers in the Ulster Scor Final last weekend in Silverbridge. Despite performing to their best, they didn't claim the Ulster title However, they and the club can be extremely proud of their efforts and the credit and pride they have brought to the club this year. Well done to Carol Deegan, Niamh McPolin, Emma Trainor, Joanne Carson, Fiona Cotter, Fiona O'Prey, Olivia Kennedy & Nicola Boyd under the inimitable guidance of Phil Stratton.

The under 14s entertained Lurgan side Clann Eireann on Sunday past and initially struggled against their physically bigger opponents. The likes of James Gordon, Conor Marron and John Hampton battled well in defence alongside a tenacious Mikey Rice. Conor Campbell put in a great hour in the middle, while up front Tony Molyneaux, Ciarán Harney and Jack Murnin impressed. Cormac Byrne was outstanding in goals. The lads will take heart from the fact that when they upped their work-rate they were more than a match for their Armagh guests. Training continues every Thursday at 6:30pm,and Sunday mornings at 11:15am