THE sun finally shone on the Killyleagh Summer League as week three of games took place last Wednesday night.
It was a complete contrast to the weather conditions of the opening night, the coldest May night in many years. This time the boys and girls of primary school age had to contend with the heat and welcome warm sunshine.
SENIORS
Last week, the spotlight was on the senior section. Goals were limited, but there was still plenty of goalmouth action.
There were so many scoreless draws and the first goal of the night was scored by Hope Morrow. Viktor Berezun went against the trend, scoring two in one game. By the end of the night, he had four goals.
There might have been more goals if it hadn’t been for some outstanding goalkeeping from Jack McCourt and Lucas Bradley.
The senior penalty queen was Harper Clarke, beating Seren Carr in a shoot-out.
There was a record number of kings, the competition level was so high. The winners were Adam Jess, Carter McAllister, Ned Keenan, Viktor Berezun, Illia Berezun, Jack McCourt and Jacob Watters.
TINIES
It is exciting to see so many young boys and girls starting out for the first time, and as the weeks go by, there is a noticeable improvement in understanding the basics and rules.
Special mention this week to Cadin McGreehan-Kayes and Reuben Oakes.
Goals of the night in the minor section came from Shayne Ross and Lily Kearney.
There were plenty of top performances from Theo Gurr, Caleb Taylor, the Coffey twins, Ember Clarke and Phoebe Nelson.
The penalty queen was Lily Kearney and the penalty king was Hunter Coffey.
MINORS
As the sun shone down, the P2 and P3 players put on an amazing night of football in the minor section. Sophia Sullivan was on fire for the girls, with Lottie Nelson and Arabella Thompson both playing in midfield, defence and goalkeeper for their team. Haliya Russell made some amazing, bursting runs.
For the boys, Axel McDowell was the star player this week. His attacking skills and passing were on point and he also kept his teammates right when needed.
Elliott Lynch was brilliant at tackling and tracking back, while Arlo Greene, Max and Robbie worked well together.
A special mention for Ollie McConnell whose kick-outs as goalkeeper were first class. Lorcan Northrop, Cody Osborne and Leo McCormick produced amazing performances both on and off the ball, with tackles, runs and no fear of getting stuck in.
Penalty queens Arabella Thompson, Sophia Sullivan and Haliya Russell scored two each this week. And for the boys, the kings were Elliott Lynch, Leo McCormick, Cianan McNabb and Jake Killops.
JUNIORS
There was plenty of action in the junior section, with the girls holding their own with the boys.
The penalty kings were Lewis Morrison and Finn Patterson, with Eva Gurr the penalty queen for the third week in a row.
The league resumes tonight at the Bridge Centre playing fields, with a 7pm kick-off for tinies, minors and juniors, while the senior section begins at 8pm.
