On Saturday 24th November, Dundalk Bulls under 10s played their very first game against Solway Sharks in a nail bitting match.
The kids played the hearts out, giving it their all and did themselves, their parents and club proud, only losing 4 -2.
Sean Coleman opened the score sheet for the bulls after 7 minutes, assisted by Conor MacGabhann and Evan Christian.
This was the start of the juniors answerback for the 2 goals scored by the Sharks in the first 6 minutes. The Sharks scored another with 7 minutes left of the first period leaving our team down by just 1, coming up to half time. This didn’t stop the Bulls trying to tie the game and everyone thought their prayers were answered when Ben Sullivan put a screaming shot into the Sharks net, but unfortunately it was disallowed as it crossed the line just after the buzzer sounded.
The guys raised their game to another level as they realized Tony Griffin and the senior team had come to support them and support them they did !. The parents were loud, but the noise from the seniors was incredible. The juniors loved it and after just 3 minutes into the second half, Stefan McNulty scored a superb goal, assisted by Sean Coleman and Jack McGailey. Everyone did their very best to equalize the game again, but with seconds to go, Solway scored their 4th. Bulls Netminder Evan Christian was awarded Man of the Match for the Bulls. He had a very busy game, with 21 shots on goal, making some spectacular saves. He was indeed, a very deserving and popular winner of this award, as attested by the fact that when his name was announced he was swamped by his teammates in congratulations.
The team was very lucky to have Mr Jim Tibbetts as team coach and Mr Gerry Christian and Mr Tom Gustafasson as assistants.
Later on Saturday evening at the senior game, Christopher Lynch (age 5) was the mascot for the Bulls. He really enjoyed the experience.
On Sunday morning, the under 10s took part in a Jamboree with North Ayr, Dundee, and Solway Sharks. Two teams were entered from Dundalk and each team played their very best. All team members enjoyed themselves thoroughly, particularly Dean McArdle who was the second Bulls net minder and did a great job. All were delighted when they received their medals after the end of 4 long, well fought games. The Junior Bulls left Scotland with lots of good memories, plenty of new friends and plans of return matches in Dundalk.