Grainger on target as Cregmore boys capture U-10 Cup

Date Published: 06-Jun-2012

Mike Rafferty

NATHAN Grainger struck twice in extra time as Cregmore saw off the Knocknacarra challenge by 3-1 in the final of the U10 Cup at Terryland Park on Saturday.

On a day when eight finals were decided, this was the only one that required additional time and John Clarke’s charges took full advantage to clinch the title with two late strikes.

Indeed, it was Knocknacarra who made the early breakthrough when a Casper corner took a deflection for the opener, but a close range finish by Aidan Grealish levelled matters for Cregmore.

They continued to be the better team and on three occasions, Grealish went close to snatching a winner. However, when neither side could add to their tally, the game went into extra time and here Cregmore proved to be the more clinical side.

Ben Molloy was denied when a stunning free kick came crashing off the crossbar and the neat left footer was denied on a further two occasions when close range efforts were blocked.

Molloy continued to prove his value as Cregmore took the lead. His pass set up the outstanding Josh Buckley and while he slipped the ball past the advancing Richard Offama, it was Grainger who finished off the move, with a tap in on the goal line.

Molloy also provided the assist for the third, which Grainger finished off at the far post to seal a 3-1 win and give them the U10 title.

Cregmore: P Ociepka, C Flaherty, B Molloy, T Finnerty, J Buckley, A Grealish, E Collins, A Lally, S Bradley, J Cummins, K Higgins.

Knocknacarra: R Offama, R O’Brien, D Massah, H Comer, K Katomski, C Egan, D Ward, H Drury, R Kelly, C Tshimanga.

Referee: John Thornton.

CUP FINALS

Maree Oranmore were crowned U9 champions following a 2-0 win over Barna Furbo. John Kilgannon and James Kilgannon secured the match winning goals, while Cian Horgan was denied a third when a cracking free kick came back off the crossbar.

After enjoying a two goal interval advantage and then stretching their lead to 4-1, Knocknacarra looked to be strolling to victory in the U12 Colleran Auctioneers Cup Final but, by the closing stages, they were just about hanging on as they clinched the contest 4-3 in a cracker with Barna Furbo.

Calym Crowe (two) and Joe Thompson (two) were on the mark for the winners, while Niall Rooney, Glen Francis and Padraic Lenihan replied for the losers who came up just short at the finish.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.