Match Report

Match : 3rd XI v South Antrim 5ths
Date : 2001-11-10
Venue : A
Score : 0-5
Scorers :

By 3rd XI Captain

A somewhat disastrous day for the stalwarts of East Antrim 3rd XI. On Friday evening we had apparently 13 good men and true. Unluckily the failure of an unnamed relative to pass on the pull out of Johnny, the fact that Duffin sent a dear John to my office late on Friday night and Aidan McAlinden injuring his finger on Saturday morning left us with a bare 10.

Things did not look too bad at the beginning of the match as S Antrim also had 10. We took the game to them and spent the first ten minutes in or around their circle. Their final player then turned up and they were able to put a little more into the game, however we were holding our own.

The S Antrim ability to stop anything that came anywhere near them on a fairly good gravel pitch resulted in a goal after about 15 minutes, but we were still looking competent and the silky skills of Swanny at sweeper were keeping the defence on top. Peter Torrens at centre forward was trying hard but with a player short it was difficult getting the ball through.

Tragedy struck after 20 minutes when Gary was carried off and would be unable to take further part.

At half-time it was still 1 - 0 and the boys were playing their hearts out.

Despite all our efforts and some deft aerials over the defence by Swanny we could not break through the defence and even a couple of penalty corners did not bring any relief.

The inequality of numbers took its toll and S Antrim managed another four in the last quarter.

A sterling effort by one and all and certainly no disgrace.

M Jackson
G Hooks
S Swann
J Baker
P Torrens
E Baird
N Johnson
A Bell
J Fitzpatrick
G Mahoney

Stephen Swann