St Joseph’s clinch South West Antrim Breslin Shield after narrow final win

Erin’s Own Cargin 3-07

St Joseph’s Glenavy have won the South West Antrim Breslin Shield after narrowly edging out Erin’s Own Cargin in the final at Aldergrove.

Glenavy went into this final full of hope after having beating Cargin twice in the league but the Toomebridge side really put it up to the Chapel Hill side and made them fight for their victory.

From the throwin Glenavy went on the attack and a well placed pass from Malachi Doherty put Pearse Green in the clear from which he got the opening score with a well taken point.

Cargin midfielder Jamie Gribben got possession from the kickout and with a surging run got the ball to Adam Lynn who gave Jake Nelson no chance in the Glenavy Goal.

The Glenavy fullback line of Ronan Armstrong, Ryan Malley and Michael Kane were breaking up attacks.

Patrick Shivers added a point from play to put his side three in front. Malachi Doherty was fouled and he converted to close the gap.

On 11 minutes Glenavy were given a rude awaking when their crossbar came to the rescue from a piledriver from Mark Keegan.

With this let off the orange men went downfield and when the ball made its way to the ever alert Malachie Doherty who blasted to the net.

The Glenavy fullforward line of Malachi Doherty, Pearse Green and Patrick McCann were giving their opponents a torrid time.

David McCann tested the keeper who brought off an excellent save.

Patrick Shivers kept his side scores ticking over with a point from an acute angle which brought the sides level.

The Chapel Hill side were now on top with Jack Hill and Lorcan Small lording it at midfield. Pearse Green and Tiernan Campbell added points it was looking good.

Malachi Doherty finished what was probably the best move of the game when he took a pass from Pearse Green and finished to the net.

From the kickout Doherty gained possession turned and split the posts to put his side six in front.

Over the years no Cargin team ever gave up without a fight and this young side is no different.

When Mark Keegan added a goal which was quickly followed by a Shay Dovill point to put two points between the sides both sets of supporters in full voice.

Thomas Gallagher got a point back for Glenavy and on the stroke of halftime Pat Shivers put two between the sides as the halftime whistle blew.

Shay Dovill opened the scoring in the second half with a well worked point.

Halfbacks Aaron McGarry, Liam Henry and Patrick Fox were mopping up any loose balls that came their way.

Thomas Gallagher finished an excellent passing move with a well placed shot to the net. Pearse Green cut in for a point from acute angle.

Lorcan Small was fouled and the ever reliable Malachi Doherty pointed to put six between the sides.

Once again back came the lough shore side with points from Pat Shivers and a a Shay Dovill Free. Glenavy could have found themselves in trouble only for an outstanding save from Jake Nelson.

Glenavy half forwards David Nelson, Thomas Gallagher and Tiernan Campbell were working hard to cut out any Cargin clearances from defence. Paddy McCann and a brace from Malachi Doherty ended St.Joseph’s scoring.

Pat Shivers had the final score when somehow he found the Glenavy net to seal the victory.

Both sides deserve great credit for the standard of play and on how to get the ball between the posts. No doubt quite a number of these players will go on to represent their clubs in higher grades.