Strokestown V Padraig Pearses 13/04/09

Strokestown 2-08, Padraig Pearses 0-06

Strokestown picked up their second win in the league with an impressive 8 point victory over Padraig Pearses on Easter Monday.
Played in poor conditions it was the home side who got to grips with the weather the best. Strokestown began the game with a bang finding the back of the Pearses net after a couple of minutes. The move began with Colin Dowd winning possesion on his own 14 yard line. From there it was worked up to Rory Molloy who delivered a fantastic ball into his brother Enda who in turn passed into Conor Silke who finished to the net. This gave 'Town emphasis in the game and they certainly up the ante with faboulus scores coming Niall Brogan, Enda Molloy, John Rogers (3) and Conor Silke. In fact it could have been more but for the Pearses goalkeeper making a fantastic save from Silke mid-way through the half. Pearses themselves responded with just 2 points during the half. At half time 'Town held a 7 point lead but had to face the wind in the second half.

The second half was all about the pressure exerted by the Strokestown players. The forward line put severe pressure on their oponents not allowing them a second on the ball thus preventing them from delivering quality ball. This gave the backs ample opportunity to win 50 50 balls that ended up being kicked in. In fact it was from one of these turnovers that 'Town extended their lead to 10 points. Matty Colum found himself 1 on 1 with the Pearses keeper and superbly slotted the ball left footed past him. Strokestown added a further 2 points during the half from John Rogers and Conor Silke. In reply Padraig Pearses could only tag on 4 points, 3 coming from frees.

This was another wonderful display from the 'Town, who were without a number of individuals on the day. This was also an important win as Padraig Pearses lie in wait in the championship this summer. Hopefully the outcome that day will be just as good.

Team: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Daniel Rogers, Emmet Collins, Ruairi Farrell, Matty Colum, Seamus Collins, Paddy Brogan, Niall Brogan, Rory Molloy, John Rogers, Conor Silke, Enda Molloy.