On a cold Saturday in Kilkenny, the Men’s 1sts arrived for two purposes: to beat a team that they had not beaten away from home in two years, and to give the club’s beloved Aussie, Max Harris, a fitting send off.
Clontarf started well when captain Luke Hayden pulled the ball back for One Ball Al to sweep home and give us the lead early on. Unfortunately Clontarf could not double their lead when Timmy Cullen was denied from the penalty spot by an outrageous save from Kilkenny’s goalkeeper.
It didn’t take long for the second goal to come when Luke picked out Caino on the back post with a pass so bad it was genius. A dreadful shot from Matty Owen was turned in by an over-eager Kilkenny defender, putting the Bulls 3-0 up at half time.
Our favourite Australian put in a vintage Maxy performance, getting thoroughly rinsed by one of Kilkenny’s youngsters, and despite David Lawless’ best efforts to concede, Clontarf kept Kilkenny to just 1 goal in the second half.
Close to the end, Al selflessly fluffed a shot, allowing Mark Duggan, eager to begin the festivities, killed the game of with a tidy reverse finish at the back post.
After the game, photos were taken and Max was presented with a prestigious DCU Hockey top, before the team proceeded to celebrate Maxy’s time in Ireland in extraordinary, and possibly dangerous fashion.
You’ll be missed Max Harris, and you’ll always be welcome back.
Match Report: Men’s 1s vs Kilkenny, Away, 24/02/2018
Final Score: Clontarf 4 – 1 Kilkenny
Written by: Darragh O’Brien