This division 2 match was a a big, big game for Raheny's U-13 hurling team.  Before the game, Ballinteer were 2 points below Raheny in the league table, and a win for them would have put the 2 clubs level on points, and make relegation to division 3 next year a real risk for Raheny.  It really made this game a "4 pointer", and a must-win for both teams.

We had a full squad out, with only a couple of regulars missing.  The first half was a tight affair.  Raheny seemed to have the greater number of scoring chances, but a high-dropping ball from Ballinteer ended up in the Raheny net, and did put Ballinteer a point up at one stage.  At half time, the score was 1-3 to 1-1 in Raheny's favour, so it was still anybody's game.

Raheny upped the intensity in the second half, and with constant pressure on the Ballinteer goal, Raheny eventually began to pull clear.  Ballinteer were limited to 2 points in the second half, while Raheny put in 1-5, to make an aggregate 2-8 to 1-3 win.

We had a number of players from Raheny U-12s, which meant we could field a full XV plus subs.  The support we've received from the U-12 squad has been fantastic all year, and especially over the summer with U-13 regulars missing due to vacation etc.  Also the support on the sideline this weekend was fantastic.