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Double success for F&W Referees’ Association

Thursday, 4 February 2010

THE Fermanagh and Western Referees' Association (FWRA) arrived at Dungannon Youth Sport with two objectives in mind -to win the annual five-a-side competion and annual quiz and duly delivered in both.
Football team manager, Declan Grimes, had a squad of nine players to choose from with a good mix of youth and experience.
In the opening fixture, they were up against Mid-Ulster. A good opening performance from Decky's boys followed as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners with goals from Damien Maguire, Peter Connolly and David Hamilton. The team was excellently marshalled at the back by Michael Connolly and Roy Beacom, with keeper Taggart looking secure.
No rest between matches meant they were straight back into action again against Tony Young's North West outfit. A calm and composed performance from the FWRA saw them record a 2-0 victory.
The opening goal came from player-manager, Grimes, which settled any nerves in the ranks and substitutes, Peter Connolly and Hamilton, were sprung from the bench just before half-time and gave fresh legs to the attack. Soon after Peter Connolly gave a good pass into Hamilton's feet and with his second touch he thundered in the insurance goal for the victory.
Going into the final match against North East, the FWRA only needed a draw to clinch the title - North East needing victory to deny them.
The opening exchanges brought a goal for the North East, when an uncharacteristic mistake by Michael Connelly let in Cecil Foyle for a composed finish beyond the helpless Taggart in goal.
This proved to be the spark Decky's team needed to kick-start their game. With the temperature of the match rising, a shocking late challenge from North East king-pin, Floyd, left player-manager, Grimes, on the 'deck' in agony clutching his ankle in pain and leaving referee Tony Young reaching for yellow when it could have been red. Declan was carried off, replaced by Hamilton.
With the half-time whistle sounding, it was all to play for in the second half. The defining moment of the game arrived within a minute of the restart when the lively Hamilton found Michael Connolly with a lovely through ball and the Aghyaran man, making up for his earlier mistake, produced a fine finish low into the corner giving the North East keeper no chance.
The final minutes saw a flurry of yellow cards for defenders, Farrell and Michael Connolly, from Young. Decky's boys fought hard to hold onto the draw. When the final whistle sounded victory was theirs after a great team effort.
Manager Grimes paid tribute to his men for their efforts to bring the title home for the second time in three years.
Well done to Declan Grimes, Roy Beacom, James Farrell, Luke Ormsby, Damien Maguire, Kevin Taggart, Peter Connolly, Michael Connolly and David Hamilton for bringing the trophy back, and a special mention to Grimes for all his efforts.
Quiz
Tradionally, the FWRA's strongest area is the quiz, which they had won 13 times in a row. The team this year consisted of Arnold Hunter, Jarlath McElholm, Stewart Blair and debut boy, Michael Connolly, replacing Desmond McLaughlin, who was usually their strongest competitor.
After three rounds of questions, the FWRA team looked to be cruising to yet another title, before the fourth and final round - the now infamous mystery round.
This year's mystery round was pictures of English league grounds and proved to be tough going for the F&W boys.
After looking like 'dead certs' they let their lead slip and ended up finishing on the same points as rivals, North West, taking them to a sudden death 'shoot-out' with top points scorer on the day, Michael Connolly, being pitted against Paul Larkin of the North West.
After the opening two questions the teams were still tied. Quizmaster Neville Cathcart declared nearest answer will win and Connolly sealed it to claim a marvellous 'double' for the FWRA.
Well done to Arnold Hunter, Jarlath McElholm, Stewart Blair and Michael Connolly with the debut boy winning the overall indivual top scorer. The team will now head to England in April to attempt win the RA title.
FWRA chairman, Basil Marshall, was delighted with the association's success and gave a special mention to Decky Grimes and Michael Connolly.

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