Boys and girls from 6-9 years of age took part in today’s blitz in Mallow. These blitz’s are designed to give Juveniles experience of playing in different alleys, with other players that they may well encounter during the season. Players from neighbouring clubs including Liscarroll, Ballydesmond and Kilworth were present today with some of their brightest and youngest stars.
First in today’s event for Mallow was Alex Curran. Alex has been putting in a lot of effort in training the past few weeks and has come on leaps and bounds since last year. His game has dramatically improved and is now a contender for championship. Alex was pitted against Kilworth Brian Dunne. Brian who comes from a long tradition of Handballers came out on top on this occasion but not by much and only snatched it towards the end of the game this truly was a testament to Alex’s improvement. Alex’s next game was against 9 year old Mathew Bolger where the extra year in Matthew’s camp was the only difference between both player’s.
Next in for Mallow was Ryan O’Sullivan. Ryan who has a natural ability for handball displayed tremendous techniques today against Ballydesmond’s Darragh Murphy during his shot executions. Even though Darragh is a year older Ryan was able to use his ability to gain a victory today. Ryan second game was against Boherbue’s Edel Murphy. Ryan got a good start in this game and never relinquished his lead. Edel who is a very fine handballer will be a force to be reckoned with in the female divisions in years to come.
Killian Flaherty who only recently turned 6 also made his debut today in competition he faced Calum McCarthy who was a year older than Killian. This was a most enjoyable game to watch with Killian really coming of age and displaying the skills he is obtaining. Killian’s second game against Darragh Crowley again was a testament to the effort he is putting in behind the scenes.
Connor Flaherty also took to the court today. Connor who seemed to learn from his recent One wall endeavours was a different player today. He showed fantastic skills to defeat John Paul O’Hanlon and along with his brother is also putting in the time in the alley which is clear for all to see. Connor’s second game was again another display of skill against Anthony Finn with Connor again coming out on the winning side.
Josh Harkin was the final Mallow player to take his place in the alley today. Josh played against Ballydesmond’s John Cronin which was a splendid event to be enjoyed. Both players gave it their all with Josh even ending on the floor to retrieve balls which seemed to be lost. Josh came out on the winning side of this encounter. Josh’s second game was again a tight affair facing Calum McCarthy. This proved to be a savage battle with Josh losing by the narrowest of margins, a solitary ace after making a great comeback.
A big thanks must go out to the volunteers who put on a fantastic spread of goodies for kids and adults alike which would not have looked out of place at a wedding event. Kids were racing into the canteen area with the arrival of yet more goodies at numerous times during the day a testament to the quality of food available at today’s event.