Spartak mustered a 16 man squad (plus a press ganged Mick Greene) to compete in the annual Willie Kissane tournament in VEC.
A tough draw saw Spartak face Knocklyon, Terenure and VEC in the 40 minute games played Saturday.
A fine defensive performance against a strong Knocklyon outfit was spoiled by late errors which saw Derek Ruxton , competently deputising for the injured Peter O’Toole, beaten twice. Peter damaged his ankle after an unnecessary challenge. Turns out to be two broken bones and two snapped ligaments. Thats Peter’s second mishap in this tournament.
Against Terenure a sloppy start saw the Sky Blues go 2 down early on; Stu Love hit the post and the second half display was better; but no way could be found through the Terenure defence. Mick Greene deputised in goal but knee damage then forced his withdrawal from the final match.
Ross Kelly took over as Spartak’s fourth keeper of the day in a game that VEC, with the aid of a couple of soft scores, won 4-2. Fine late goals by Neil McGowan from a Niall Lennon pass and then Steve Walsh, who scored a cracker after excellent foraging by Conor Maguire and a pass by Neil.
Peter O’Toole 7 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Fintan Grace 7 Keith Kelly 8 Dermot Dooley 6 Stuart Love 6
Conor Canavan 5 Niall Lennon 6 Neil McGowan 7 Dara Comerford 7 Rob Deering 7 Derek Ruxton 6 Steve Walsh 5 Conor Maguire 8 Ross Kelly 6 Mick Greene 6
