In a game where every player in blue and white put their shoulder to the wheel, it would be invidious to single out any one individual. This was a performance built on teamwork, discipline, and an unyielding desire to defend home turf.
Yet, some moments shift the tide of a match, and on this occasion, it was Jack’s remarkable contribution of 0-10 that proved decisive. With unerring accuracy and composure under pressure, he kept the scoreboard ticking over, wrestling back control after the shock of conceding 3 goals in a ten minute spell in the second half.
We had led at half time,1-06 to 0-05 and were deserving of that lead - we started brightly, and had 3 points on the board, Darragh with a brace and Conor Hayes before Spa opened their account in the 6th minute following a good score from play by Tommy Moynihan.
Our next score was a goal when an attack through the middle saw Tom Hoare on the end of a passing move and his low shot to his right, found the net.
Spa came into the game more, resorting to punching the ball in the middle which paid dividends as they hoovered up many of the breaks through Gary Vaughan and Liam Spillane.
Jack had the first of his two pointers into the breeze in the 20th minute and we remained in the ascendancy to the short whistle.
The 2nd half saw us resume as we had finished - in possession and on the attack with Darragh firing over a great point after winning a mark - Spa had a pointed free from 20 metres out via Michael Foley but it did not herald the helter skelter that was to follow.
In the space of the next 10 minutes Spa raised 3 green flags, all from the boot of David Spillane; the first came after Evan Cronin worked his way in and his pass found Spillane who found the net - shortly afterwards, there was a penalty following a check on Cian Tobin and Spillane again obliged - Darragh and Jack replied and we were level, 1-09 to 2-06.
The third major arrived in the 42nd minute when Ryan Carroll slipped when in possession and Spa gratefully accepted the gift to go 3 points clear, 3-06 to 1-09.
And it was now, in the heart of that second half, that we truly showed our character. The fightback wasn't solely down to Jack's brilliance, though his influence remained undeniable. Now, others stepped up, their performances radiating grit and determination, inspiring the rest of the team to dig deeper.
Gearóid Dillane, Gazza and Barry John raised their game to new heights - all three began to win their individual battles, displaying new found grit and a tenacity that created opportunities which kick-started the fight back.
Gazza and Jack with a two pointer had us level, 1-12 to 3-06 and Spa were only able to add one more score from here to the final whistle.
Jack edged us in front and Barry John raised an orange flag with a magnificent effort from downtown.
Thereafter, Jack was the star turn kicking 3 two pointers and Gazza, not to be undone, fired over the final point from a close in free.
Strand Road’s collective effort turned their home ground into a fortress once more, and when the final whistle blew, there was no doubt—this was a victory earned by all, with Jack’s sharpshooting the spark that ignited change.
A potent combination of pride, responsibility, and no little skill ensured we gained the two points on offer today - that it was achieved without two of our defensive unit, namely Donagh Buckley and Daniel Bowler, will only bolster our ambition for the tasks that lie ahead.
We would like to compliment match referee Tom Corbett, whose sensible and diligent application of the rules ensured an enjoyable contest in a game that was decided by the players' efforts and skill, rather than being overly influenced by questionable officiating.
Team: Rob O’Connor, Ben Hanafin, Darragh McElligott, Sam Pituch, Gearóid Dillane, Ryan Carroll, TJ Heaphy, Tom Hoare ( 1-0), Barry John Keane ( 1 X2pt), Gearoid Savage ( 0-03), Jack Savage ( 0-10 : 4 X2pts, 1 “45”, 1f), Padraig Griffin, Conor Hayes ( 0-01), Conor O’Sullivan, Darragh O’Connor ( 0-03).
Subs used: Ben O’Brien, Seán Walsh.
