The whistle of a sliotar traveling close to light speed rocketed into Slim’s goal. The Cat’s pressure paid off in a goal by Jack Tuescher. Slim’s answered by snipping points, and the increasing number of injuries at center field delayed the game just enough to let the sun bake the field. As much as Clare tried, the Cats could not get the ball above the bar, and in the final minutes of the second quarter another goal by Clare made up for the lack of points. At half, both teams, sweating profusely and dragging the wounded of the field, stood at a deadlock, Slims 1-4 (7), to Cats 2-1 (7).
The battle raged between the two teams in the 3rd quarter. In a flurry of force, both teams traded goal for goal, and point for point. Caleb and Danny Mac, squared off, breaking sticks and driving the ball forward to force offensive opportunities. Defense inspired offense on both ends and when the dust settled and the cleats stopped for water, Slim’s had a slight edge over the Cats, 2-7 (13) to 3-1 (10).
Like Napoleon pointing from his horse, Rob McCommons urged his team forward. For the first time in the game, instead of a calculated, defensive retreat, Slim’s edged the offensive pressure to the embattled cats. A goal by Slim’s, and four more points had nearly shaken the Cats, who could only respond with another point. In the end, the screams of Andy McKee and the frustrated cries of Cats filled the air. The tension of the game dissipated in the early afternoon sunlight. The Slaintes declaw cats,3-11 ( 20) to 3-2 (11).