Oxford 4-9 (21) – University of East London 1-7 (10) A COMMANDING second half performance saw the Oxford Gaelic Football men walk away from their first fixture with a comfortable victory in the British Universities Southern Division.
A nervous start saw Oxford fall 4 points behind just 10 minutes into the first half, forcing player-manager Conor O’Kane to bring himself off the bench, where he had been orchestrating proceedings. From then strong performances from key figures down the centre of the pitch afforded a steady supply of possession into a forward line that showed great skill in front of goal.
Having rectified the deficit before half time, the Blues settled confidently into the lead and the London boys would have a tough challenge ahead in their attempt to turn the match around.
In the early stages of its voyage the ship that was the Oxford Gaelic team found itself battered by strong winds and high seas. O’Kane emerged from the galley, strode onto deck calmed the sailors and trimmed the main sail. Stable again, the cannons of the full forwards unleashed a hail of pain on UEL.
In short it was superior quality more than anything else which allowed Oxford to coast to such an impressive result with UEL unable to provide any answer to the sheer class of players such as Shane O’Brien and Dermot Rock.
A defence led by Ronan Fergusson did enough to keep the opposition at bay with Sean McClory punishing loose marking at the opposite end.
This was a promising start to the season from a team showing real signs of potential for the coming year. Spectator Oliver Broomfield said, “I was hoping to see a rugby match but what I witnessed was quite entertaining.”
Gaelic football Blues sail to victory against East Londoners
