Knights advances at bay. New Clare captain Noah Leydel cleared the ball afield as quick as it came, and Michelle Varelas took one for the team with a shot to the chest. First quarter was even at two points per team.
Burke’s dialed the offensive pressure up a notch, pointing at every turn, but the Knights only managed one second quarter point. The Cats’ defense waned and allowed two goals in after constant Burke’s pressure. Burke’s Irish Castle with the advantage over the Cats, 2-3 to 0-5.
The third quarter rose to a new level of physicality with County Clare attacking the fairly fresh Castle defense. Ryan Koppa smashed Clare’s first goal for a morale boost. Burke’s kept the pace though, tagging points between each successful drive. Despite the valor, there still remained a five point deficit for the Cats at the end of the third.
Determination and strength, grit if you will, possessed County Clare. Connor Jorgensen bashed a great goal to trigger the final rally against the Knights. But Burke’s kept their coolness all the while with captain Connor Kilp rebutting with points. Another goal by Clare closed the point margin by two, but the Burke’s Irish Castle Knights were still full of amplitude as they maintained from the get-go and subdued the Cats to the finish with a final of 4-12 (24) over 4-6(18). Check and mate.