Krumins goal decisive as Ashbourne power to victory

BOYS DIV 2/3 SHIELD

A stunning scoring burst at the start of the second-half proved to be decisive as Ashbourne ETNS claimed the Boys Div 2/3 Shield with a 2-7 to 0-4 victory over Scoil Naomh Eoin Navan at Trim on Thursday last.

Leading by just a point at the break, and after kicking five first-half wides, Ashbourne found their scoring boots in the two minutes after the break as Alex Krumins fired goals either side of an Eoghan Quaill free.

Scoil Naomh Eoin battled hard to get back into contention, but they couldn't breakdown the superb Ashbourne defence.

The opening half was dominated by some outstanding defending, but there were also some moments of brilliant attacking quality, particularly late in the half when Ashbourne edged ahead.

The opening exchanges were tight with Brooklyn Gavin and Kevin Roca trading frees in the opening nine minutes.

Ashbourne missed a number of chances and kicked five wides in the opening half, whereas Scoil Naomh Eoin were more economical with Gavin landing his second free before Kayden Dempsey scored a superb point to give the Navan side a 0-3 to 0-1 lead.

Instead of getting frustrated with their near misses Ashbourne kept plugging away and went close to the opening goal but Evan Rowan was denied by a brilliant save from Jake McEntegart.

Eoghan Quaill closed the gap to the minimum with a converted free, before magnificent scores from Quaill and Jake Arthur ensured a 0-4 to 0-3 interval lead for the Ashbourne boys.

Krumins put Ashbourne in the driving seat when he pounced on a loose ball to fire the opening goal. Seconds later Quaill added another free and when Krumins made the most of a defensive error he nipped in for his second goal.

Gavin pulled a point back for the Navan lads with a free, but that was their last score as frees from Quaill and Jake Arthur sealed the glory for Ashbourne.

Ashbourne ETNS - Edvinas Paulaskas; Dan Cebotari, Daniel Skinner; Kevinas Kadys, Zach Tarsilli, Dillon Krumins; Kevin Roca (0-1 free), Zion Williams; Aiden Gramas, Jake Arthur (0-1 free), Evan Rowan; Alex Krumins (2-0), Eoghan Quaill (0-4 three frees). Nathon Kibartas, Kristan Lovrekovic, Cameron Phoenix Prior, Nathaniel Grzanowicz, Jeddy Nwarie, Ridhvik Rahulan, Kealan Kearns, Jayden Amrolan, Dragos Abras, Finn Millar, Jack Lanigan, Amelia Bors, Katelyn O'Brien. Mentors - Michael Gleeson, Aishling Doyle, Brandon McCann, Clara Donnelly, Sally Casey.

Scoil Naomh Eoin Navan - Jake McEntegart; Joshua Onaghise, Liam Manu George; Gabriel McGarry Gillespie, Jack Gavin, Ryan Hogan; Kayden Dempsey (0-1), Tyler Gavin; Ellis Milascon, Adam Proctor, Alan Jasielski; Dylan Maguire, Brooklyn Gavin (0-3 frees). Jayden Stokes, Joey Doyle, Vladimir Abrudan, Darrell Murtagh, Patrick Stokes, Georgijs Virvinskis, Lucas Silva De Oliveira. Mentors - N McGrane, D Muldoon.

Referee - James Minnock (Scoil Naomh Barra Wilkinstown).