Dwyers in complete control
Rocks have no answer for Eoin Byrne powered side
MICHAEL DWYERS ARKLOW ROCKS 7-17 0-1
ARKLOW ROCKS and Michael Dwyers met in this U-15 hurling league game at the Arklow Rocks ground in Arklow on Wednesday evening last, September 12.
Timed for a 6.30pm start, the game got underway just a few minutes late on a very bright, sunny evening thus ensuring good visibility all the way to the final whistle. The pitch surface was also ideal.
The score says most of what needs to be said about the contest.
Dwyers had a few very strong players spread throughout the field.
In full-forward Eoin Byrne they had an exceptional payer who dominated the scoring in the first half.
Barely 12 minutes had elapsed when Byrne completed his hat trick of goals and by half time, when he was substituted; he had amassed a total of 4-4.
The remainder of the Dwyers half time tally of 7-7 came via a goal from Matt Miley and points from Ben Burke (2) and another from energetic midfielder Rory Martin off his left.
It was really very difficult for the Rocks in this first period as they were giving away a lot in size compared to their opponents in many positions over the field. Centre back Conor Gahan battled hard to stem the tide, midfielders Matt Curran and Seosamh Kelly stuck to their task and Liam Murphy, one of the smallest players on the field, made things very difficult for his direct opponent, showing great skill and some deft touches.
Rocks goalie Daniel Reilly, despite being beaten for five goals, brought off some great saves and had an excellent long puck out. He too looks to have good prospects as a custodian for the future.
Michael Dwyers replaced Eoin Byrne and Matt Miley at the break and Conor Richardson and Jack O’Toole came into the game.
Arklow Rocks came more into the game in the second period but their lack of scoring power up front handicapped them.
Seosamh Kelly had their only point from a free early in the second half.
The flow of play was more evenly balanced in this half but Michael Dwyers continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
They scored a further 2-10 in this half with the two goals coming from half time substitute Conor Richardson.
The other substitute Jack O’Toole also got on the score sheet with three points. Goal- keeper Michael Cleary switched out to midfield in a swap with Ben Burke and he also got on the score sheet.
The good hurling surface suited many of the Dwyers team with Austin Brennan, Jack Reid, Ben Burke, Rory Martin and Eoin Sheridan very comfortable with their first touch. Arklow Rocks goalkeeper Danny Reilly continued his good form of the first half and brought off some excellent saves in the second period too.
All to no avail as the Dwyers ran out overwhelming winners on a score of 7-17 to 0-1.
Scorers – Michael Dwyers Eoin Byrne 4-4, Matt Miley 1-0, Conor Richardson 2-0, Ben Burke 0-2, Rory Martin 0-2, Jack Reid 0-1, Jack O’Toole 0-3, Michael Cleary 0-2, Eoin Sheridan 0-2, Austin Brennan 0-1.
Arklow Rock Parnells – Seosamh Kelly 0-1.