Barrett Hatrick Drives Pitches Close To Title

Thursday Division 2

The Sons of Pitches are now just a point away from securing their 2^nd Footy title after an excellent 5-3 win over FC Copen Badly. This is only the Pitches 2^nd season in this division after spending many years in division 3. These lads have relished the challenge and came close last season finishing in 3^rd place. This season they have been the most consistent team, and are ticking all the boxes all over the pitch. With an excellent goalkeeper in Barry Sheehan and a defence well organised by William O'Brien and James Barber, the Pitches have been tough to break down this season. Con Carey, Alan White and MVP nominee James O'Loughlin have all been excellent during this Springs campaign. Last week was the turn for the reliable Eoin Barrett to chip with 3 really important goals. This powerful centre forward with 3 excellent finishes. White and O'Loughlin came up with the other goals. Most successful Footy teams play a counter attacking game but the Pitches play a very effective high pressure game, closing the opposition down in their own half of the pitch and forcing mistakes. The Pitches lost Michael Deasy during the season through injury but his brother Sean Deasy has deputised very effectively. Kevin Garde just back at Footy after a cruciate injury, scored twice for Copen Badly and was their best player.

Mount Oval are still in with a chance, but luck was on their side as they were beaten by Cork Celtic 8-4, but were awarded the points after Celtic fielded an illegal player. These 3 points awarded, prove crucial, leaving the Oval 3 points behind the Sons of Pitches, going into the last game. A point will secure the title for the Pitches but they are playing, perhaps, their bogey team in the JT Specials, who if they are at full strength will be hard to beat. Mount Oval also have a tough game as they face River Plate.

The Cowboys and River Plate played out the game of the week, with the Cowboys coming out on top 7-6 in a really close but open game. A very impressive performance from Graham Bouge for the Cowboys scoring 5 times in the process.

Shane Murphy was also impressive in midfield, and was able to find Bouge with some beautiful long range passes. Murphy also chipped in with 2 goals. Danny Meade and Adam Clinton both hit hatricks for River Plate, who threw the kitchen sink at the Cowboys for the last few minutes in search of the elusive equaliser.

Thursday Division 3

The Exiles won division 3, with a fine 5-2 win over Shanty United. They twice came from behind to overcome Shanty who have been excellent this season and are well deserving of their 3^rd place finish. They go into the last game 3 points clear of Panicyakios, but their head to head record against Panicyakios is better so they were confirmed champions last week. Mark Kirwin, Mark Ryan(2), Jarrin Koopman and Paul Ryan were on the mark for the Exiles. MVP Nominee Michael O'Reilly was on the lone Shanty scorer with a brace.

Whitfords easily overcame Black Gold, with Kevin O Connell and Gavin Rosser best for the Whitfords.

The Flying Column have found some form late in the season and had a fine 3-1 win over Men Utd. Kieran Barry scoring twice, and his 2^nd was a late goal to seal the 3 points for the Column.

Kevin Twomey was very impressive for Panicyakios scoring 5 times in their demolition of The Barrells. Paul Stanton and Peter Reidy were also in top form for Panic, who have scored a record 59 goals with a game still to play

Thursday Division 1

Congratulations to Ezy FC who were crowned division 1 Champions with a game to spare. Ezy FC got back to winning ways as they convincingly beat an understrength Net Busters team, to seal their 5^th first division title in a row. John Daly and Steve Dwyer both contributed hatricks, while Paul Smith Lyons in midfield was the games best player breaking down the ball for Ezy on many occasions.

This division sees the same scenario as in division 3, with Ezy 3 points ahead of Booze Buddies, and also a better head to head record going into the final game. The Booze Buddies had a hard fought 4-3 win over the Thirty Somethings, with Jimmy Griffin coming up with a winner with 5 minutes left. Eoin Kinsella was excellent for the Cobh boys and along with Griffin has been their most consistent player this season. Shane O'Donoghue was best for the Somethings, and was on the mark along with Brian Kelleher and Mark Murphy.

The 3^rd game in this division saw the Dreamers overcome Boca Seniors by the odd goal in 11 in another very close game. Dean Cummins, Rory Perry, and man of the match Jonathan Coughlan all scored twice for the winners, while Paul Tierney was best for the Bocas.