Age Group: U14 (School Year 2016/17)
Name of Competition: Comhairle Iar-Bhunscoilleanna Chorcaí Fé 14C Peil
Venue: Tom Creedon Park, Macroom
HT Score: CPB 1-08 3-00 Buttevant
FT Score: CPB 7-11 7-03 Buttevant
AOB: Captain – Dara McCarthy
In an enthralling encounter played out in slippery conditions in Tom Creedon Park, Macroom, on Thursday last, CPB emerged victorious in their hunt for glory in the U14 C Cork County Championship. Credit was due to both teams on serving up a thrilling spectacle and at the end of the hour there was no denying CPB their share of the spoils after storming back into contention having overcome two periods of dominance from Buttevant at crucial stages of the game.
Buttevant started the brighter and made use of a powerful forward line to secure a goal within the opening stages. Another followed closely before CPB worked a selection of neatly taken points in response. Opportunities for goals were not lacking as CPB were denied on two occasions thanks to resolute defending from Buttevant. On the opposite side of the field Buttevant were not as wasteful and picked off their third goal of the half. A strong finish was required from the Bantry unit and they responded with an opportunist goal after overturning possession and they finished the half stronger, kicking two more points before the whistle brought the first half proceedings to an end. Bantry holding the healthier score line of 1-8 to 3-00 on the half time mark.
Upon the restart Bantry handed the initiative back to Buttevant as wasteful play meant they did not capitalise on their half time lead. Buttevant struck their first point two minutes into the half from a free before they drove at the Bantry defence and punished some sloppy defending on shooting two quick fire goals. Such a substantial lead challenged the character and resilience of CPB but they failed to waver in their efforts. A variety of positional changes strengthened the team effort as they drove in waves at the Buttevant defence to break through for a goal of their own. Spurred on by a period of dominance in the middle third of the field, CPB took control and were awarded for their efforts when some fine interplay saw them pierce the Buttevant defence on two occasions to find themselves on top in the closing quarter. Both teams traded scores within the final five minutes but by then CPB had succeeded in solidifying their shape on the field and they weathered an onslaught of Buttevant attacks before the game finished on a score of 7-11 to 7-03.
A never say die attitude ensured the trophy returned west to Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí.
