The Sixmilebridge U12 Hurlers enjoyed a great days Hurling in the blitz hosted by Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams(Dundrum) in the heart of Tipperary on Saturday 6th June.

The lads were split into 2 groups - Sixmilebridge Saffron who were outright winners of the “A” section and Sixmilebridge Blue who came away with the Shield in the “B” section of the blitz.

The Saffron team were comprised of 2003 born boys i.e 12 year old whilst our Blue team was comprised largely of 2004 born boys i.e 11 year olds.

The Saffron boys emerged victorious of the 5 teams present: the hosts Kickhams, Midleton, Mungret and Clarecastle plus ourselves. The boys went under to a strong Kickhams team in the earlier rounds but emerged focused and determined having qualified for the final versus the same opposition. While the scoreline in the final after 2 x 12 mins halves was a modest 1-2 to 0-3, this does not do justice to the upperhand held by the ‘Bridge boys against a team who had the assistance of some very strong and mature Camogie players which was a new challenge for our lads!!

A strong swirling breeze - plus an anxiety to put the earlier reversal versus same opposition to bed - led to some wayward shooting by the ‘Bridge boys, but in the end there was no denying their status as the best all-round Hurling team on the day and a deserved victory.

Cian “Tuppy” Fawl accepted the Cup on behalf of his ‘Bridge teammates from Knockavilla Juvenile Chairman Tommy Lonergan.

Also on the day our battling 2nd team emerged with huge credit for their efforts, typified especially by their performance in the semi-final against Midleton’s second team which had ten 12 year olds in their 11 a-side team. This physical superiority paid off for the Cork boys but not after a mighty scare from our boys which saw the Midleton lads penned back into their own half for the entire 2nd half even though they had the aid of a very stiff breeze in that half. The Midleton lads got to the final whistle one goal ahead and then went on to record a very comfortable victory in the B section final.

Our lads shook off the disappointment of this match to go on and record a strong victory in the Shield final versus Mungret, which was just reward for their mighty performances on the day.

Jack Hughes was a proud Captain of this group of players and he also accepted the Shield from Tom Lonergan chairman of the Knockavilla Kickhams Juvenile Club.

Thanks to all the Parents who travelled to Dundrum and offered plenty of vocal positive support to both squads.

Thanks also of course to our hosts for a great day out and the opportunity to enjoy their wonderful Hurling pitches and facilities.

This tournament kickstarts a really busy June and July period for the U12’s and we have entered Three 11-a side teams in the County Leagues which start this weekend.

On Sunday evening we renew acquaintances with Clarecastle in the Cusack and Vaughan leagues at 6.30 and 7.30pmrespectively in Clarecastle.

Our third team will not have any game this weekend as the game v Bodyke has had to be rescheduled to a later date.

Keep an eye on Club website for fixtures in coming weeks!!