The inaugural game of the Wexford U17 District League took place in difficult conditions on Saturday in Crossabeg after torrential rain on Friday night caused its relocation from Killurin.
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Despite the uneven score line the game was well contested and the Wexford lead at half time of 2-8 to 1-5 had been hard earned. Ciaran Joyce in the Wexford goal made some classy saves and was well served by a battling full back line. Good performances from Enniscothy’s Diarmuid Crean, Colin Murphy and Dale Kirwan were slightly overshadowed by Wexford’s better all round team performance. Wexford had a more persistent scoring threat and Paul Larrissey and Fionn Cooney were both accurate from long range. Nick Greene was a handful close to goal but Enniscorthy’s goalie Barry Leacy made some fine stops as Wexford piled on the pressure either side of half time.
Despite patches of dominance Enniscorthy found it hard to rattle a solid Wexford half back line led by David Clarke while Enda Cloake’s athleticism was a key factor in Wexford’s ultimate triumph.
The tournament was launched by Coiste na nOg chairman Bobby Goff and county vice chairman Noel O’Keeffe and despite the conditions, a considerable attendance gave great support to the lads who battled the wind and rain to deliver an entertaining start to this month long competition. Gorey play New Ross in a rescheduled game on Wednesday and the return fixture between Enniscorthy and Wexford will also be completed in the coming week. Each district play each other home and away and Finals will take place on the May bank holiday weekend.
