St Columban’s, Kilkeel U16: 4-1 0 St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint U16: 0-6
THE supremacy of St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint at U16 level in Down has come to an end.
In the final for the Ulster Bank Peadar Barry Cup, they ran up against a strong St Columban’s, Kilkeel who ran out winners by 4-1 0 to 0-6. The Tom Cunningham-coached Kilkeel side is the product of their U14 Ulster winning team of two years ago and although their winning margin was some 16 points, the game was closely contested throughout.
The first half was close but a goal from the alert Adrian Trainor two minutes into the second half gave the Kilkeel school the confidence they needed.
They took control adding a second goal from Stephen Annett followed by similar scores from Barry McAleenan and Kevin Flanagan to run out convincing winners.
But St Mark’s gained revenge in the U14 final winning 2-10 to 1-9, although it took a late surge to gain victory with a late goal from Liam Ward.
It was the brilliant Ward, a brother of senior county star Shane, who also had St Mark’s first half goal.
Mark Trimble was the chief marksman for St Columban’s.
St Columban’s (U16) scorers: A Trainor (1-5), S Annett (1-1), K Flanagan (1-1), B McAleenan (1- 1), M Harper (0-1), C Rodgers (0- 1).
St Mark’s (U16) scorers: C Burns (0-4), P Smith (0-1), N O’Hare (0-1). St Mark’s (U14) scorers: L Ward (2-2), M Lively (0-2), D Fearon (0-2), D Morgan (0-1), A Gallagher (0-1), A Tinnelly (0-1), P Morgan (0-1).
St Columban’s (U14) scorers: M Trimble (1-2), C Rodgers (0-3), S Cunningham (0-2) M Poland (0-2).
ST PAUL'S, Lurgan retained their Armagh U14 Ulster Bank Vocational schools title with a hard-fought victory over their great rivals St Joseph’s, Crossmaglen.
The losers had much the better of the opening quarter with midfielder Fearghal Rowland dominating the exchanges.
But St Paul’s mentors pulled a master stroke when they switched Andrew McKeown to midfield, with his effect immediate.
Ryan Henderson then shot to the St Joseph’s net to give St Paul's a 1-4 to 0-3 lead at half-time.
The second half was a pulsating affair. Michael McCluskey and David McAlernon in the St Paul’s half-back line were outstanding. Midway through the half St Joseph’s struck for their goal from David Doyle.
But almost immediately St Paul’s were back in control when a high cross from Gavin Gowdy was fisted to the Cross net by Conor McEnoy.
The same player added his side’s third goal to ensure victory.
St Paul’s Lurgan scorers: C McEnoy (2-2), R Henderson (1- 1), C McKavanagh (0-2), M Downey (0-1), D McNally (0-1).
St Joseph’s scorers: G Morgan (1-1), P McEneaney, L Campbell, N Clarke, K Harte, E Boyle (0-1 each)
MAYNARD Hamilton, from the host club Windsor, not only caused a major upset in the opening rounds of the Bass Ulster snooker championship but also set himself up for the highest break prize of the tournament.
Young Maynard knocked in a splendid 119 in his first match which finished when he failed on a simple pink with a total clearance at his mercy against Brendan Coiley. He also had a 64 in the 3-0 success.
But it was in round two that the Windsor club player caused a stir when he knocked out Antrim professional Colin Bingham by three frames to two in an exciting match.
HOLY Family/Golden Glove bantam William Waite leads the Ulster search for Irish Intermediate championship final places tonight at the National Stadium in Dublin.
A total of 10 Ulster boxers will be bidding over the weekend to book a December 18 final berth with Waite, brother of professional fighter Barry, facing a testing time tonight against Fr Horgan’s Michael Dunne.
Four Ulster hopes, including exciting Holy Trinity middleweight Conall Carmichael, are in action tonight with a further half dozen going in front of the judges on Saturday night’s second semi-final programme.
Another skilful Ulster middleweight Michael McAllister (Belfast), an 18-6 winner over tough Immaculata’s man Kieran Healy in last week’s series, and rising Derry light heavy Tony Smith are also involved in tonight’s Dublin action.
