The Ulster U16 and U18 Boys got off to a perfect start at the 2024 Interpros as they recorded two wins over Leinster on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Daniel Shannon, Daniel McKee, Charlie Taylor and Josh Gill sealed a 4-2 win for the 16s, whilst the 18s relied on a last-minute winner from Instonians forward Matthew McAreavey.
Ulster U16s 4-2 Leinster U16s
In the afternoon’s first game, Julian Costelloe’s U16s got off to a flying start when Daniel Shannon opened the scoring with 15 minutes played.
Forward Charlie Taylor dispossessed his opposite number in the middle of the park before leading the counter-attack and seeing his effort saved by the Leinster goalkeeper.
However, teammate Daniel Shannon was on hand to convert the rebound and give his side the lead.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Daniel McKee doubled the Ulster lead, with his side holding on to their two-goal advantage until the third quarter.
With Leinster striking in the opening stages of the third period, Charlie Taylor restored the two-goal advantage after he deflected in at the back post following a well-worked short corner routine.
Another Leinster strike brought the score to 3-2 but Josh Gill’s strike from the top of the circle secured a 4-2 win for the 16s and got them off to a perfect start at the Interpros.
Ulster U18s 3-2 Leinster U18s
Like the U16s, Mark Evans’ side got off to a quick start with Michael Hollway opening the scoring in the closing stages of the first quarter.
Having won a penalty corner, an initial strike from the top of the circle was saved by the goalkeeper before Hollway was quickest to react to the loose ball and convert from close range.
The Ulster lead was then doubled on the brink of half-time when like his brother for the 16s, Adam McKee got Ulster’s second to make it 2-0 at the midway stage.
Despite being comfortable in the tie, Ulster were then pegged back to 2-2 in the third period with two Leinster strikes setting up a tight ending to the fixture.
But it was Ulster who continued to have the better chances in the tie with McKee seeing a reversed effort saved by the goalkeeper’s stick before Hollway saw a penalty stroke saved.
Then, with just one minute left to play, Cookstown’s Matt Barrett broke down the right wing before picking out Matthew McAreavey at the back post.
Unmarked, the forward was able to tap in and seal a 3-2 victory for his side in their first Interpro fixture of the campaign.
Next up for the Ulster sides, our U16 and U18 Girls teams travel to Kilkenny on Sunday as they prepare to get their season underway against Leinster South.
