LAST Saturday the Irish stablestaff soccer team took on the might of the English in Harlow AFC. It was a fantastic venue with a full-sized Astroturf pitch and all the facilities you could wish for.

The Irish lads, who represented yards from all over the country, with the help and sponsorship of ITM and the Irish Trainers Association, fancied their chances as their training sessions and prep games had gone to plan. They were helped out in their training by Jeff Byrne and Paddy Curran who took the chance to thank Kildare Town AFC and Newbridge Hotspurs for all their help and support. “Some big scalps had been taken along the way so we are in top form,’’ said Rob Donnelly team captain.

The game started fast and furious and it was not long before Ireland had their English counterparts under pressure with Wesley Hayes playing a super ball through to Leon Carroll who worked his magic around the English defence to leave a one on one with the 6’ 6’’ net keeper for England. The English goalie was on his game and pulled of what was to be the first of many unbelievable saves.

Next to hinder the Irish was the amount of times they hit the crossbar. First up was Kevin Bradley who, with a lightning run down the wing, struck the ball perfectly and had already started celebrating but the ball clipped the top of the crossbar and went wide.

Robbie Gallagher found himself on the end of a misplaced clearance and banged it off the metalwork and Liam Carthy also hit the bar with a left foot strike. It was looking like the luck of the Irish had deserted them when up stepped captain Rob Donnelly to put Leon Carroll and Mate Szesztras through; both had worked themselves into perfect positions on the edge of the box, the goal was a screamer! Leon pulled two English players out wide and left it open for Mate to bang it home. The Irish lads were still celebrating when the English bypassed the midfield with a long kickout and the bounce caught out the Irish defence and the score was 1-1.

Disappointed but not down, the Irish lads worked hard but it was not to be as England scored again and put an end to the dream. The tournament now stands at 3-2 to England. Roll on next year was heard from the Irish dressing room.

Cleveland St sale

First season trainer John Feane has sold his 93-rated two-year-old Cleveland Street. The winner of a Dundalk maiden and subsequently second in the Birdcatcher Nursery, Cleveland Street has been sold to continue his racing career in Hong Kong in a deal brokered by agent James Mescall. Feane commented: “He’s a grand horse with a lot of ability and I hope his new owners do well with him. We have an empty box for a nice yearling should anyone wish to send us one.” Feane trained 11 winners in his first season and they included the Joe McGrath Premier Handicap with Prince Connoisseur.

Punchestown craic

OFF track entertainment at this weekend’s Punchestown Winter Festival will include the Ballymore Christmas Fair and Shopping Village with FREE children’s entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus himself. There’s also exciting news for ladies who like their style as the Winter Festival also hosts the Diamonds & Pearls and Medilase Style competition tomorrow. The lucky winner will receive a €500 voucher for Diamonds & Pearls Boutique in Edenderry along with a €500 voucher for Medilase Skin Clinic.

Mullins at DRC

THE next meeting of the dynamic Dublin Racing Club takes place in the Mont Clare Hotel (Merrion Square) on Thursday, November 27th and champion amateur Patrick Mullins leads the panel of David Jennings and Barry Connell to discuss the Hennessy and the Premier Jumps Winter Festival at Fairyhouse with three fantastic Grade 1s. Get there by 7.30pm and you won’t miss a word. Web: www.dublinracingclub.com, Twitter: @dublinracingclu, Facebook: DublinRacingClub.