The Dublin Diaries – Part 15 (Final Part). | |
03 August 2011 Follow the Scotland U17 squad on their 2011 tour of Ireland. The Scotland U17 players can reflect with some satisfaction on this year’s two match tour of Ireland, especially the win over Dublin. The 17 man squad coped well with the cross-code game and showed great improvement in the second half against Westmeath and in the win over Dublin. It’s remarkable that eight players from the squad will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 1. Jack Fraser (Fort William) – Made some fantastic saves in the game against Dublin and his performance in goal was praised by the Dublin coaches and by many in the Irish crowd. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 2. Ben Dalgety (Lochcarron) – Was a strong performer in both games. His dogged tackling and physical strength saved the Scots on more than one occasion. Benefited from playing on the 2010 tour. 3. Mike Russell (Newtonmore) – Also refused to be intimidated by the Irish forward line. Another good tackler who formed a formidable defensive barrier with Dalgety. 4. Finlay MacMillan (Glasgow Mid Argyll) – Has been making a name for himself in the Glasgow Mid Argyll first team this season and showed why. Started in defence in both games and was a consistent performer. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 5. Brennan MacDonald (Lochaber) – Moved from defence to midfield for the Dublin game and was tireless throughout until he had to leave the game in the closing minutes with a dead leg. 6. Martin Bruce (Skye Camanachd) – Made a good start to the game against Westmeath and found Skye team-mate Jordan Murchison with several good balls down the Scotland left. The recurrence of a groin injury cut short his tour. 7. Gary McKerracher (Oban Celtic) – Dropped into defence for the Dublin game and played well and chipping in with a couple of great 65 yarders. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 8. Fraser Heath (Glenurquhart) - Dropped into defence for the Dublin game and looked very comfortable. Picked up a head knock putting in a brave challenge in the Westmeath game. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 9. Darren Hanlan (Kingussie) – Started in midfield against Westmeath and in defence against Dublin. The quiet man of the group who is a tough tackler who never gives up. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 10. Danny Delaney (Lochaber) – Was delighted to be selected in attack rather than defence. Held the ball up well and added strength to the forward line. Started against Westmeath and came off the bench against Dublin. 11. Jack MacDonald (Beauly) – Played well in the Dublin game and seemed to relish the opportunity to player a deeper role later in the game. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 12. Jordan Murchison (Skye Camanachd) – Competed well against bigger opponents and scored a goal in each game. Linked up well with the other forwards. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 13. Greg Matheson (Lovat) – Played a captain’s role and led by example by scoring 18 points over the two games. Always looked a threat and the Irish defences struggled to cope with him. Gives a good radio interview after the game! 14. Stuart Callison (Lochaber) – Started against Westmeath and scored two points. Came off the bench against Dublin. 15. Conor Sweeney (Lochaber) – Was a substitute against Westmeath but came into the starting line-up against Dublin where he played very well. 16. Craig Anderson (Glasgow Mid Argyll) – A willing runner who started against Dublin. Deserved his goal late in the game for all his selfless play. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour. 17. Ewan Brady (Glengarry) – The youngest player in the side who justified his inclusion with a terrific performance against Dublin where he was a strong contender for man of the match. Will still be eligible for the 2012 Ireland tour and the 2013 one for that matter! |