A bright sunny day in St Annes for this Championship quarter final against St Marys, but make no mistake, each time the sun dips behind a cloud it’s decidedly chilly. There’s a decent showing on the sideline and we’re expecting a close battle. The last meeting of these two teams was a league final two years previously and on that occasion there was a mere cigarette paper between them, O’Tooles finally winning out after extra time. The main topic pre-match is the absence of their talismanic forward, and could the Larriers cope without him. A freak thumb injury sustained in a marathon Grand Theft Auto session, two weeks previously, has denied him a berth in this crucial match. This will surely be a massive test for the O’Tooles squad. On the plus side the management team is restored to full strength, with both Ray and Andy having been released on good behavior for the weekend.

Throw-in approaches and the pulse quickens. The ball goes up and there’s mutterings on the line of how important the start is, and how it’s vital to get the first score – St Marys win the throw in, burst forward and tap the ball over the bar for an easy point – well there’s that plan out the window !!! O’Tooles, however, are not fazed and settle down into a nice pattern of play with some decisive moves from back to front, rounded off with some lovely points. St Marys, to their credit, are matching the Larriers with some nice scores of their own, but as the first half winds down O’Tooles begin to take control. A quick trio of goals is the difference between the teams at half time and O’Tooles, in truth, would have been further ahead but for some questionable finishing in front of the posts. Half time 3-5 to 0-5.

RAJ must be happy at half time, there are no raised voices, no throwing of water bottles, no new swear words, no flying spittle !!! A thumbs down for the half time entertainment is the verdict from the sideline this week.

The second half throws-in and just like the first St Marys are quick off the mark with the opening point. Is there a St Marys resurgence on the horizon we wonder nervously? However this brief rebellion is instantly quashed with a brilliantly crafted O’Tooles goal. From there on O’Tooles are in charge, apart from a quick brace of goals from St Marys late in the game, but by then the Larriers are too far ahead to worry. Full time 4-12 to 2-7.

A comfortable win for O’Tooles in the end. The boys played brilliantly, great passing moves, great scores and a real togetherness. There are some tougher battles to come but for now we bask in the glory of a superb victory. Onward Larriers to the semi final !!!

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