Second Half Scoring Spree Puts Carraig U21s into Next Round.

East Cork U21 B Hurling Championship First Round.
Carraig na bhFear 2-27 Sarsfields 2-14.
August 3, Pairc Gleann na Phreachain.

On a balmy Friday evening in August, Carraig’s U21 hurlers made their inaugural bow in the East Cork Championship against Sarsfields second string in Glenville. Looking for some retribution against Sars after losing to the same side in a cracking semifinal in last years competition, Carraig sent a clear message to all that they will have a major say in where the cup will rest for the winter months. Sarsfields made the better start and raced into a 1-4 to two points lead after eight minutes. However, with Brendan Murphy replying with a good finish to register a goal, the game switched in momentum as both sides sought to express themselves. Both teams went at each other with fervour, answering point with point and with five minutes left in the half, Carraig were ahead, 1-09 to 1-08. Carrig were finishing the half strongly. G Geaney at centre back, the twin terrors of Hayes and Sweeney i lar na pairce, and P Sheehan and S Farrell up front were all exceling with some super point taking. De thoradh, do bhi Carraig 1-12 to 1-09 chun tosaigh, with time almost up. However Sars engineered a very clever goal chance and took it which meant the sides were level leaving the field after thirty minutes of really good hurling fare.

The second half continued in the same vein. Sarsfields were always dangerous whenever they could get clean possession anywhere near the 21 yard line, but more consistent and tigerish defending by the Carraig cosanteoiri, meant that thirteen minutes into the second half, the sides were level 2-13 to 1-16. But as Carraig started to dominate in the air and on the ground, with a very solid half back doing the simple things right, Carraig took off. Ten points in a row, unanswered by the Sars team who wilted as the game started to get away from them, saw Carraig open an unassailable lead. Sheehan, P O’Brien, A Cronin and S Farrell hit some real classy points and it was quite evident that every point lifted the confidence and spirit of the Carraig lads. The icing on the cake was a well taken goal by C O’Brien, fear og a dhein a dhicheall gach am sa chluiche. As the referee blew the full time whistle, a huge smile engulfed a number of the Carraig players and management. This was an important win, a win that gives confidence and opens up more possibilities in the weeks ahead as the championship hurling season finally gets off the ground.

An Foireann:
O Crowley,
T Coleman, G Geaney, E Murphy,
J Aherne, M Aherne, D Mullins,
C Hayes, D Sweeney,
A Cronin, P Sheehan, P O’ Brien,
S Farrell, B Murphy, C O’Brien.