U12 Football - Seanie Barber All County Division 1 Cup Final

Clane Gaa 3-7 to 1-5 Sarsfields

Clane started this cup final missing a few of their regular players through injury and holidays which tested the depth of the panel, but boy did they stand up, each and every one! The game was played in testing conditions with a strong breeze blowing across the pitch; Clane started well but wasted several scoring opportunities in a game where scoring opportunities were hard earned. Sarsfields lead at halftime by 1-03 to 4 points.

At half time the coaches 'earned their supper' and after 'a good chat' the lilywhites seriously upped the ante in the 2nd half and started it with real intent grabbing the 1st score. After that it was a real ding dong affair for the next 10 mins before Clane finally grabbed the upper hand. An increase in work rate and intensity combined with fresh legs from the bench saw the team click into gear at a vital stage in the game. They played some super team football which was justly rewarded with some well worked goals. Meanwhile at the other end of the pitch the backs were steely and determined and on the odd occasion when Sarsfields did manage to break through they met a goalkeeper in top form who pulled off some great saves. No doubt he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of our Kildare net minders John Ball and Cian Burke! Fine saves were matched by equally fine and swift kick outs managing to find a white jersey on every occasion.

All the training paid off as the teams fitness, great teamwork and hunger to win got them their just reward. There were great scenes of celebration after in the upstairs lounge at the clubhouse which was preceded by a lap around the village with the cup. Great memories were made and they will learn a lot from their campaign not least the final where they were pushed all the way by a fine Sarsfields team. They are a great group of young men and are a credit to their parents; they are so well behaved and always giving respect and attention to their coaches, Gaz Mick, John and Charlie.

You can find lots more great photos from the match and the celebrations on our Facebook page - click here.

Well done to the team and management!

#ClaonadhAbú