East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship
2nd Round – Sun 12th July in Lisgoold
Carraig na bhFear 1-16 Dungourney 2-10
Carraigs Junior B Hurlers bounced back from opening round disappointment to record a well deserved back door win over Dungourney in Lisgoold. A youthful Carraig side became a lot more youthful as early as the first minute, when experienced centre back Colm O’Reilly was forced with injury. Thomas Coleman came on in his place to leave an all minor half back line guarding the fort for Carraig. Early points from Oisin Crowley and Cian Dorgan pushed Carraig 0-03 to 0-0 ahead after five minutes, before Dungourney replied with two pointed frees.
The half forward line of Conor Hayes, Brendan Murphy and Cian Dorgan were hurling well and when Brendan was unceremoniously upended in the square, we were awarded a penalty. Cians effort was well saved however, but Oisin pointed the resulting 65 to push us two ahead again. With Gary Geaney and Michael Ahern hurling well in the half backline, we had plenty possession but at times the final ball into the dangerous inside forward line of Sean O’Sullivan, Oisin and Cormac Hill left a bit to be desired. The sides exchanged points again, corner back Barrie Casey marauding forward to pick off a beauty. Approaching half time we lead by a single point before a well taken point for Dungourney on the stroke of half time left it 0-06 apiece at the break.
Dungourney came flying out of the traps with a goal inside 30 seconds after the restart, but this young team didn’t panic and within 2 minutes, had 2 points back. Oisin levelled from a free before the move of the game saw a clever knockdown from Cormac Hill put Oisin through and he finished low to the net to give us a three point lead after 8 minutes of the half. Points from Sean O’Sullivan and Cormac extended the lead, as the rearguard, lead by captain Tom Neally, repelled any Dungourney attacks efficiently.
Further points from Cian Dorgan, Barrie Casey, again venturing forward with intent and Oisin pushed up 6 points ahead in the closing stages, as each Dungourney score was met with a reply from Carraig. A goal from a 21 yard free deep into injury time proved to be of little consequence, as carraig held on for a good win.
Subs Ryan Galvin and Tyrone Kennedy both made good impressions on their introduction, while in goal, Diarmuid O’Driscoll was in great form on his return from travels, filling in and helping the team out more than adequately during the great goalkeeper drought of 15! Outside him Cathal Cronin and Gary Geaney hurled great games, while William Spillane won some great ball in midfield. Up front, Brendan, Conor and Cian ran themselves into the ground and produced some excellent passages of play.
Well done to all the team and we look forward to the draw for round 3.
Best wishes to panel member Joe O’Donnell, who picked up an injury last week in training, we hope to see you back soon Joe!
Team:
Diarmuid O’Driscoll
Barrie Casey, Colm Cooney, Cathal Cronin
Michael Ahern, Colm O’Reilly, Gary Geaney
William Spillane, Tom Neally (C)
Conor Hayes, Cian Dorgan, Brendan Murphy
Cormac Hill, Oisin Crowley, Sean O’Sullivan
Subs:
Thomas Coleman for Colm O’Reilly
Tyrone Kennedy for Cathal Cronin
Ryan Galvin for Cormac Hill
Shane Farrell for Sean O’Sullivan
Darragh Cronin for Barrie Casey
Nicky Pike, Shane Horgan, Fergal Deane, Conor O’Brien, Joe O’Donnell.