Sat 1st October 2022
With Kinvara missing 5 players through illness and GAA commitments, the remaining 11 players (of which some were carrying injuries) gave one of their best ever displays in the Black and Blue in Killina on Saturday 1st October.
On a stormy afternoon, Kinvara kicked off and put Ramblers under some early pressure. After a few near misses, midfielder Jamie Cooke opened the scoring on 10 minutes.
Ramblers did pose Kinvara problems during the half but Josh Kennedy, Shay Mooney, JJ O'Connor and Keelin Miroud in the Kinvara defence held firm. With defence on top, Kinvara's midfield tore into the game. Milo Heaney, Jamie Cooke, Charlie McKiernan and Matthew Sexton ran the Ramblers defense ragged throughout the half. This resulted in a goal for Milo Heaney and 3 for Eli Huban. Again the assists for the goals were top notch. The highlight undoubtedly being a great move out of defense finding Milo Heaney on the right wing. Milo's first time cross, evading defenders and goalkeeper, found Eli Huban who headed home from around the penalty spot.
Half-time came with Kinvara 5 up. After some half time refreshment, 11 tired and sore bodies took to the field for a gruelling 35mins.
Ramblers with the conditions now in their favour and good numbers on their bench, set about trying to eat into the Kinvara deficit however Kinvara were not to be denied on this day and retained their composure for the rest of the half and held Ramblers scoreless. The experience of last season in this division now standing to them.
Otis Warwick kept another clean sheet. His organisation of the players in front of him and his ability to catch crosses and corners are invaluable to this team. His distribution on the day was top class also. Josh Kennedy and Keelin Miroud completely closed down the Ramblers wingers on the day. Their forays into midfield was also a highlight.
Shay Mooney and JJ O'Connor in centre of defence just about lasted the game. Both carrying significant leg injuries into the match. Their heading, tackling and distribution throughout was immense.
Milo Heaney on the right wing, also carrying a leg injury, rallied his team around him as skipper and drove them on time and again. His assist for Eli Huban's goal was pure class. Jamie Cooke bossed centre midfield and took his goal well. Matthew Sexton gave his opposite number a roasting and was unlucky not to score . One of the highlights of many of the game was Charlie McKiernan's ability to pass the ball through the tightest of spaces and find a team mate. Charlie was always available for the pass to help out his defence.
Morgan Waterhouse ran his socks off and he too was unlucky not to score.
After his hat-trick Eli moved back to defence towards the end to help the team see the game out.
Thanks to newly promoted Ramblers for a hard fought game. The score is not a reflection on their overall performance. They never gave up and no doubt will be looking to gain revenge in the return fixture later in the season.
Thank to all the parents who came to support.
Management: Kevin Sexton and Alan Mooney.