Naas get the better of Knockbeg in South Leinster Colleges Football Final

Naas CBS have claimed the South Leinster Post-Primary Schools Junior Football ‘A’ title with a win over Knockbeg College. The Naas school have had somewhat of a stranglehold on school’s football in Leinster over recent years and this win was another example of the exceptional production line of talent coming through Naas.

It was far from easy in the opening exchanges for the eventual winners as Knockbeg led by 0-4 to no score after 15 minutes. Three points from Dylan O’Dwyer and one that he set-up with a smart short free-kick, which was finished by Dermot Lawlor, had Knockbeg ahead.

Naas CBS 2-14

Knockbeg College 1-8

Naas’ account would be opened by wing-back Liam Kenny who curled over a fine score from range. Kenny’s score would be the first of a total of 1-5 that would be scored between the two CBS wing-backs on the day.

Sharp movement to cut inside and stick one between the posts was the pattern for the next couple of scores as Rob Millham and Rory Thompson converted in similar style.

Trailing by a single score, CBS would look to find the net as Thompson was bearing down on goal. But his effort would cannon off the bar, across the face of goal, and out wide. Euan Cowzer collected possession and sought to level the game with a point, but saw his effort come off the upright. The ball would end up in the waiting arms of Aidan McGrane who found the net for Naas with a drilled finish from close range. 

Naas were now firmly in control and the lead held by Knockbeg already seemed well in the rear-view mirror as Liam Kenny and Niall McAndrew kicked them further ahead.

An Eanae Byrne free would be the Carlow school’s last score of the first half and arrived just before an instant response from Stephen Murphy at the other end.

Despite not scoring until the 15th minute, Naas led by 1-6 to 0-5 at half-time.

Their lead would be extended immediately after the restart as Rory Tompson earned himself space before slotting over in fine style. 

Naas outscored Knockbeg three points to one in the 10 minutes after the restart and the Carlow school needed a response soon if they were to stay in this game.

After another Liam Kenny score made it 1-10 to 0-6, Knockbeg would get their big chance at the other end.

Knockbeg centre-back Ruadhri Lawlor looked set to turn over possession as he was hassled by three Naas defenders, but produced an exceptional handpass around the corner to find Cian O’Sullivan. The half-time substitute drove towards goal and finished in superb style to reduce the gap to four points.

The crowd were up and life had been breathed into Knockbeg hopes. However, Naas would manage the following minutes excellently as they slowly worked the ball around the pitch to take the sting out of this game.

They exchanged point for point in the minutes that followed as the time slowly ticked away from the trailing side. 

Naas CBS would pull clear late on and a Rob Millham goal in added time put the icing on the cake for the Kildare school, who have another trophy to add to their growing cabinet.