This ‘B’ team league game yesterday was a ding dong battle, up and down the field that emulated the Wales & England rugby affair, …… well ….. maybe not!. After a scoreless first 20mins that saw both teams with little chances, Niall Skehill got on a break a mere 21 minutes into the second half, with a great individual goal. He won the ball well in midfield and cut in across the goal line and his shot from the left side beat the keeper to notch his 4th goal in 5 games to date. Skehill had another chance soon after but the Claregalway custodian spread himself well as Skehill attempted to round the keeper. Rob Lally was then put through by Bailey from midfield and his one-on-one effort was driven wide of the mark and not very handsome. Claregalway failed to answer until 15mins into the 2nd half when a shot from the edge of the box found the net as Tom Broderick almost got a hand to it but his effort failed and the game was tied up at 1-1. From then on it was all Claregalway as the game was played in a fast pace in which both teams had few scoring chances. The match calmed down after 90mins in a 1-1 final score. Adrian Burke & Barry Forde were outstanding in their defending when it mattered most in the 2nd half. Credit to Padraig Quirke who was outstanding throughout the game despite receiving an injury 3mins into the game which should have ruled him out in a clash of heads. However, he showed just how determined he is to make a favourable impression on manager Gary Broderick or maybe he was looking for an invitation to the house stations on Friday night! Despite an open head wound he shook it off, played on and not only did he play out of his skin but together with Bailey they won many of the midfield exchanges and helped to anchor the team. Niall & Ronan Skehill who are back in talks with manager Gary Broderick again, had to depart at half time to take up their role with Pearses who also clocked up a good result against near neighbours Athenry. The teams had to settle for a point apiece in what was probably a fair result in a ding dong battle. A speedy recovery to Ross Sullivan in his injury received last weekend against Oughterard, let’s hope he’ll be better before he gets married! Also best wishes to David ‘Mario’ Killarney who sustained a knee injury in the game while it’s also great to see Bernie Burke back on her feet again. Next weekend sees a busy weekend on the field as the Reserves & U14’s play their first games of the season. Reserves play Corrib Rangers at home at 2pm; U14’s play Athenry at home at 12.30pm and u12’s are away to Athenry at 10.30am. Good luck to all.