Nobber 0 – 19 (19) St Vincents 3 – 11 (20)

Nobber made the trip to Walterstown on Friday evening last to face St Vincents of Ardcath in their second-round championship fixture.

Little separated the sides in the first quarter with Nobber shooting into the clubhouse end of the ground. The black and ambers led by the minimum (4 v 3), Two frees from corner forward Dale Larkin, a classy score from ESB man Karl Casserly, and a fisted point by youngster Conor Owens. The second quarter proved entertaining for supporters however frustrating from a Nobber viewpoint. The North Meath men conceded three goals before the half-time interval which ultimately proved costly in the result of the game. The St Vincents attack were potent and direct and ran straight through the middle causing problems for Thomas Tierney’s charges. However, the Deesiders went in at the break with a deserved lead with Larkin taking all his opportunities from placed balls and the skilful Sean Meade showing his class and kicking four superb points from play to the joy of the Nobber supporters.

Half-time score – Nobber 0 – 14 (14) St Vincents.3 – 4 (13)

Nobber came out for the second period and seemed to tighten the ship defensively and built up a three-point lead going into the final quarter of the game. Further scores from Larkin including a fine 45 kick gave the black and ambers plenty of confidence. St Vincents had other ideas however, and were the kings of two pointers in the second half – converting three of their own. The North Meath men only scored one point in the final quarter as opposed to 5 points from their opponents. As the old saying goes, goals win games and Nobber were second-best in this category.

A tense, nail-biting finish to the game where Nobber had opportunities to draw level and possibly grab a winner although they were difficult chances. To be fair, the whole team battled very well, showing a great attitude right until the end. Richie Shields, Conor Owens, and Colin Clarke were tenacious throughout. A tough pill to swallow for management, players, and supporters alike but they have no choice and have to try and lift themselves for their final round fixture in two weeks’ time.

Now the attention for the Nobber men turns to local rivals Syddan. The black and ambers face Syddan on Saturday, August 30, in their final group game.

Nobber team – Brendan Heffernan, Adam Keating, Eanna Fagan, Barry Cassidy, Seamus Fagan, Paul Meade, Richie Shields, Gustas Pocevicius, Mark Condra, Conor Owens (0 – 2), Colin Clarke, Lorcan McEntee, Dale Larkin (0 – 12), Sean Meade (0 – 4), Karl Casserly (0 – 1).

Subs used: Tony McEntee, Kian Donohoe, Pauric Weldon.

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