Joseph's Clinch Sweet Victory
San Francisco Intermediate Football Championship
St Josephs 3:10 Ulster 1:12

Kezar Stadiumšs reputation as an open wind-tunnel did little to affect the scoreline of this toughly contested championship game between St Josephs and Ulster on Sunday. The first half of the game was fairly even with the lead changing hands on several occasions and it ended with Josephs down by two points.

There was a shaky start to the second half with some bad marking and Ulster stretching their lead to five points. However the San Jose men never gave up, they fought back and gained a lot of momentum. Derry Murphy got the first goal and Ross McMahon scored the crucial second one which put Josephs into the lead. Ulster threatened to take the lead back at any time and there was an occasion when goalkeeper Eamonn Kerly had to be off his line and the ball was blocked and returned into the goalmouth. As always happens at St Josephs games there was someone in the goalmouth to cover for him and on this occasion it was Fergal Finnan who stopped Ulster from getting what would have been a disasterous goal.

This tough and physical game took its toll on the players who were running their hearts out and several substitutions were made to inject fresh energy into it. Brian Walsh was replaced by Dave OšKeefe, Brian later re-entered the fray replacing Kevin OšDriscoll and in the later stages Derry Murphy was replaced by Darragh McCabe.

Darraghšs powerful figure in the forward lines made all the difference. At the first opportunity he was able to outrun his opponents and score a superb goal which effectively killed the game and secured San Josešs lead until the final whistle when the final score was 3:10 to 1:12.

Captain Eamonn Kerly said that it was a great performance by everybody and he was delighted with the result.

However all this could be in vain if St Josephs donšt beat Rangers in two weekšs time. Only with hard work and dedication at training can the San Jose men hope to stay in this championship and it is hoped that everyone makes it to training at Peterson for the next four training sessions.

St Josephs:
Eamonn Kerley
Ray Chapman
Fergal Finnan
Paul Morrisey
Farnan Harte
John Fahey
Brian Walsh
Paul Lavelle
Kevin OšDriscoll
Brian Kerney
Colm Brazil
Derry Murphy
Ross McMahon

Subs
Dave OšKeefe (for Brian Walsh)
Darragh McCabe (for Derry Murphy)
Noel Dempsey
Matt Hynes
Mark McCaull
Steve Shannon
Kevin McGee