Junior B hurlers bow out of Championship

East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship 3rd Round
Mon 3rd August – Caherlag
Sarsfields 2-13 Carraig na bhFear 1-09

Carraigs Junior B hurlers put up a great display on Monday night in the East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship but a late goal for Sars sealed their progression to the quarter final stage after a close game in Caherlag. The sides exchanged early points, with Cian Dorgan and Ryan Galvin both taking fine scores for Carraig. The Sars goalkeeper was to prove a thorn in our side throughout the night and he pulled off the first of multiple saves in the 7th minute and from the resulting clearance, the ball broke kindly to the Sars wing forward who burst through and passed to the full forward who finished to the net. Ryan Galvin had a great shot that seemed certain to find the net saved shortlly afterwards, but Carraig got back on the scoreboard with further points from Cian from play and free. Sean O’Sullivan and William Spillane were showing great ball winning ability in the air, Conor O’Brien was commanding in goal, while Tyrone Kennedy and Shane Horgan were also hurling well.We trailed 1-5 to 5 after 20 minutes and both sides exchanged a further point before the break to leave us 1-06 to 0-06 down at half time.
The second half saw the weather conditions deteriorate, but Carraig continued to push hard. A well taken goal from Cormac Hill on 37 minutes reduced the deficit to 2 points, 1-08 to 1-06 and when Ryan pointed again shortly afterwards there was just a point in it. But Sars responded well and tacked on three unanswered points. Substitute Conor Hayes made a great contribution on his introduction scoring two points and the Sars keeper was on hand again to deny Cormac Hill and Colm O’Reilly two goal chances. With 5 minutes remaining and the scores 1-12 to 1-09, Sars broke downfield again and picked off their second goal, putting 6 between the sides. Carraig continued to search for the scores that would get them back into the game, Brendan Murphy and Sean O’Sullivan winning plenty possession, but it was the Riverstown outfit who had the final score to advance to the quarter finals on a 2-13 to 1-09 scoreline.
Well done to all 27 players who played in our 3 Junior B championship games this season. With a large number of young players putting their hands up for selection throughout the year, it was great to see the future of the club putting in some excellent performances. There are 4 league games remaining and the lads will be going all out to try make this years league final again.

Team:
Conor O’Brien
Cathal Cronin, Shane Horgan, Colm Cooney;
Barrie Casey, Tom Neally, Joe O’Donnell;
William Spillane, Tyrone Kennedy;
Sean O’Sullivan, Cian Dorgan, Nicky Pike;
Cormac Hill, Colm O’Reilly, Ryan Galvin

Subs:
Brendan Murphy for Nicky Pike
Conor Hayes for Tyrone Kennedy
Michael Ahern for Joe O’Donnell
Gary Geaney for Barrie Casey
Darragh Cronin, Thomas Coleman, Oisin Crowley, Shane Farrell