*Our Seniors played in their first championship game since 2015 when they met Ballykinlar in the preliminary round of the Junior Championhship. Five of the starting fifteen for the Fin made their championship debut having progressed from the youth set up. The Fin opened the scoring with a free from Oran Flanagan before Ballykinlar replied with the next three points to lead by two points with 6 minutes played. A superb goal from centre half forward Calum Croskery edged the Fin back in front by the minimum and it was a lead they never relinquished for the remainder of the game. Two more frees from Flanagan left a goal between the sides with ten minutes played. Ballykinlar pulled another point back before Sean Willoughby, Rory Murphy, Sean Fitzsimmons, Ruairi Quinn, Oran Flanagan and Croskery all sent over to give the Fin a comfortable half time advantage. Quinn also saw a superb strike hit the crossbar while Ballykinlar hit the upright. Half time Aughlisnafin 1-09 v Ballykinlar 0-5
Sean Willoughby got the first point of the second half with Paul Flanagan and Croskery also on target to extend the Fin’s lead to ten points. Marty Murdock replaced Marty Willoughby with a few positional switches effected. Shane Mooney drew a superb stop from the Kinlar keeper but moments later Murphy hit the net. With 20 minutes left the Fin were in control of the game. Mooney and Quinn sent over another two superb points before Kinlar replied with two points of their own. Aidy Lawless and Niall Lennon came on to help see out the game. With ten minutes remaining it was that man Croskery who grabbed another goal and a point. Sean Willoughby got the Fins fourth goal of the night while Faelan Murphy saved well from a speculative Kinlar effort. Final score Aughlisnafin 4-15 Ballykinlar 0-8. Eight different scorers for the Fin and they now look forward to a much tougher assignment against Mitchels in the quarter finals next weekend. Thanks to Lennon Contracts for sponsoring the match ball.
Aughlisnafin: F Murphy, P McClean, J Brannigan, J Matthews, R Quinn (0-2), E Lundy, S Willoughby (1-2), S Fitzsimmons (Capt.)(0-1), S McCann, R Murphy (1-1), C Croskery (2-3), O Flanagan (0-4, 4f), P Flanagan (0-1), S Mooney (0-1), M Willoughby; Subs used: M Murdock, A Lawless, N Lennon
*Our U16’s will play St Paul’s in their opening championship game this Thursday at Pairc Baile Anna with a 7 pm throw in. St Pauls won recently won the East Down U16B league and have stepped up to the U16A championship with a drawn game against the U16A league winners RGU last week. A difficult encounter in the offering. RGU will be the Fin’s opponents the following week.
*Our U14’s were at home to Drumaness on Monday evening needing a win to progress to the semi finals of the championship. Next Monday 3rd September they will play Bright in a league play-off. The game will be hosted by Drumaness with a 7 pm throw in.
*Our U11’s will be away to Dundrum in their opening U11C league game this Wednesday at 7 pm.
* The Meeting of Families Camp Out was a very enjoyable experience by all accounts. Thanks to those who camped out. All proceeds go towards our underage teams.
*The Donard Summit Challenge will be held on Sunday 16th September. Contact our club secretary Sheena Murray for details. We are looking for more adult volunteers.
*Our Wild West themed night in Annsborough Club on Saturday 22nd September. Admission is £10, those in fancy dress get a £2 concession. Music by DJB. Doors open 8.30 pm, late bar.
*The Annual Club Dinner & Presentation Night will be held in Downshire Arms in Hilltown on Saturday 27th October. Jenny Quinn is the point of enquiry for purchase of tickets.
*The Juvenile Presentation Night will be held on Friday 19th October at 7 pm.