RGU Notes

U-16 boys enjoyed a solid 1-14 to 0-5 win over Loughinisland in the Championship on Thursday evening. This sets them up for a semi-final against Cill Breachtain. Some of the lads then represented the Club in the Og Sport u-15 seven a side tournament on Sunday morning at PTR. The lads enjoyed a comfortable victory against Drumclone before a quarter final clash with Rostrevor. They won that by 2 goals and set up a place in the semis against Bryansford. This was a closer encounter, but the lads played very well and, despite conceding a last minute goal, they held on to win by 2 points. In the final against Newry Shamrocks they struggled to get some momentum going, and by half time they were trailing by 1-3 to 0-0. They fought a hard battle in the second half and finished very strongly. However, three great chances for goals in the last few minutes all came to nothing and they finished runners up by a score line of 1-7 to 1-1. All in all this was a great effort from the lads, and there is no shame in losing an all-county final. Best for the Hoops was Adam Prenter, who was outstanding in the Hoop’s defence, while young Kevin Polly had an exceptional performance in the Hoop’s goal. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chris McKenna also played well in defence. Frank Starkey and Jamal McQuoid both put in very strong performances in midfield, while in the forward line Owen McEvoy, Conor Doherty, John Shields, and Jamie Fitzpatrick all worked their socks off. Although they quite simply ran out of steam in the final, they can be proud of their performance, beating some big clubs along the way. RGU held a very successful U-12 tournament on Saturday comprising of 14 teams. Downpatrick’s recent good form continued as they comfortably qualified for the knockout stages with 3 wins in the league matches. In the cup quarter final they had a great tussle against Ballyholland, before the South Down team finally pulled away in the last minute to win by 2 pts. The Seconds also performed well until they came unstuck against Auhlisnafin in the Shield quarter final. Loughinisland overcame Saul in the shield final, whilst Bryansford put up a great fight against a very strong Rossa side before the Belfast side put some distance between them in the second half. Many thanks to those who organised the matches, set up the pitches, and provided help with the catering on the day. Training continues on Tue at 7pm. Next Sunday U-12’s are away to Liatroim in the league with details to be sent out in text during week. Also coming up is an U-12 1/2 Championship which will include anyone in Year 8 up until the summer. More details to be published next week. U-10’s. Training will recommence on Thursday and again on Saturday in preparation for the Club Blitz on Saturday 3rd Sept. With the evenings now starting to get noticeably shorter, everyone should note that all games will now start at 7pm. There will be a Charity Poker Night in the Clubrooms this Friday 26th, starting at 8.30 after the home senior game against Annaclone. On All-Ireland Football Final Day, 18th Sept, the Club will be open all afternoon. Watch the game on the big screen and bring all the family.  There will be spot prizes given out to both adults and children all afternoon so dont miss out. If anyone would like to order the new Club wind cheater contact Roisin Hampton on 07795107288; for new Club polo shirts contact Roisin Polly, 07871744103. Both cost £20, usual conditions apply. Lotto numbers for this week were 6, 7, 16, and 19. Jackpot not won, 5 share £100. Next week’s jackpot £3000. For party bookings ring Brian on 07745496213. If you have any club information/ announcements or match reports which you would like to have included in next week’s Club Notes, please send the details via email to rgu1@hotmail.co.uk. Our web site is updated on a regular basis. For all the latest news go to www.rgudownpatrick.com]]>