Ruthless Reid to the fore for Western Gaels
10-5 3-3
HARRY REID was in sumptuous form as his six goals helped Western Gaels on their way to brushing aside Michael Dwyer’s and advancing to the under-13 ‘C’ hurling championship final on Saturday afternoon.
Reid’s first-half brace, in addition to further goals from Patrick Balfe and Luke Higgins, set the stage for a thoroughly ruthless display from Western Gaels. The midfielder went on to score four goals in the space of seven devastating minutes, with John Tyrrell and Ryan Cleary completing the rout.
Despite the final scoreline, it wasn’t until the final ten minutes of the first half that Western Gaels got their goalscoring underway. In the meantime, however, Western Gaels were still the better team in the early stages.
Max Kehoe got the scoring underway with a point inside the first minute, before further scores from Luke Higgins and Evan Walsh gave the Gaels the momentum.
Finally, with 21 minutes on the clock, Harry Reid stepped up to slam in the first goal of the day. Michael Dwyer’s finally got their first score of the day through a Conall Harmon free, only for
Western Gaels to begin to find their devastating rhythm in the final stages of the half.
Patrick Balfe got their second goal, before a lightning quick counter-attack that started with Dean Carey winning the ball back in his own territory, ended with Luke Higgins popping up for the major.
Harry Reid offered a glimpse of what was to come with his second goal as Western Gaels went into the half-time break 4-5 to 0-2 to the good.
Despite having a lead that would have made it virtually impossible for Michael Dwyers to make a comeback, Western Gaels management were adamant in their half-time instruction for their team to come out stronger in the second-half.
With that in mind, Gaels took Michael Dwyers apart in clinical fashion. On 33 minutes, Harry Reid completed his hattrick. Between the 39th and 40th minutes, Gaels added three more goals through Reid (2) and Ryan Cleary.
Such a rapid start left Michael Dwyer’s clutching at straws, unable to mount anything in the way of a response.
Whenever they did manage to break forward, however, they were repelled by the impressive Dean Carey in the full-back line, beating away any Dwyer’s advance and being the kickstarter for Gaels counter-attacks.
Reid got his sixth and final goal shortly after substitute John Tyrrell got in on the act. In total, between the 33rd and 43rd minutes, Gaels had thoroughly put Michael Dwyer’s to the sword with six goals, turning a good win into a ruthless beating.
Michael Dwyer’s did manage to mount an essence of momentum following the second-half water-break, in bizarre circumstances.
After thrice indicating for Western Gaels to retake the pitch for action to get back underway, and after warning them that, should they not respond, he would resume play, referee Peadar de Hora stuck to his word and allowed Michael Dwyer’s a clean run at goal, ending with Taoirse Scully putting the ball into the back of the net.
Further goals from Ultan O’Reilly and Sean Byrne put a bit more of a gloss on proceedings for Michael Dwyer’s, but not enough to stop Western Gaels romping into the semi-finals.
Ronan Smyth; Luke Higgins (1-1), Patrick Balfe (1-0), Dean Carey, Jim Corrigan, Max Kehoe (0-2), Harry Reid (6-1), Ryan Cleary (1-0), George Chamney, Evan Walsh (0-1), James Phibbs. Subs used: John Tyrrell (1-0), Cillian Behan, Thomas Treacy, Conor Ellis.
MICHAEL DWYER’S: Liam McRae; Cathal Mallin, Taoirse Scully (1-0), Taylor Fagan, Billy Young, Jack McRae, Eoin Tallon, John Paul O’Connell, Conall Harmon (01f), Ultan O’Reilly (1-0), Taylor Ryan (0-1). Subs used: Sean Byrne (1-1). REFEREE: Peadar de Hora
WESTERN GAELS: