St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh 3-19
Tralee CBS 0-09
Our senior hurlers got their quest for silverware off to the best possible start with a comprehensive victory of a spirited Tralee CBS outfit.
Playing against the breeze and the hill, we got off to the best possible start when a sublime touch to hand by Michael Lavery resulted in a beautiful first score. Soon after the lively Nicky Cooney crashed the ball to the net to really settle the team. However, any chance of an easy match were put to bed quickly as Tralee began to come more into the game and scored a few frees to bring them closer on the scoreboard. The influential Matt Ryan in midfield surged forward for two crucial points to leave it 1-4 to 0-4 points approaching the midway point of the half.
Indeed a succession of poor wides at this time may have proved costly on another day as the tide seemed to be turning, but Tralee found the defensive solidity of Seamus O Farrell, Aaron Reid and Oran Bergin in particular, difficult to cope with. This combined with the hard work of Patrick O’ Connell and team captain Richard O Donoghue limited their opponents to long range shots and in truth goalkeeper Tim McCutcheon was never troubled. His puckouts were the launch pad for attacks all day long with midfielder Conor Looby the main ball winner in the centre of the field.
As the half time approached, Robert Delaney began to have a bigger influence on the game, linking well with his teammates and flawless all day long with his free taking. It was he who hit the last four points of the half to leave the score 1-9 to 0-6.
The second half mirrored the first as Michael Lavery was the first scorer, this time he goaled after a great passing move up the field. Team Manager, Ray McLoughney made some positional switches at the half to try and improve the team and it certainly worked as everyone seemed to step up their performance and finish off the game as a contest.
No switch was more effective than releasing young Kevin Maher from defence to attack, he caused all sorts of problems for his marker and scored five points in what was the best phase of play in the game. It was not a one man show on the scoreboard, however as an Alvis Danko goal and long range scores by Cathail Ryan and Richard O Donoghue as well as two lovely scores from Robert Delaney left the final score 3-19 to 0-9.
Substitutes Harry Young and John Ryan did not let the side down when introduced and they will be needed again on the teams next outing in a few weeks.
1. Tim McCutcheon – Templederry
2. Kevin Maher – Borrisoleigh (0-5)
3. Seamus O Farrell – Toomevara
4. Oran Bergin – Borrisoleigh
5. Patrick O Connell – Borrisoleigh
6. Aaron Reid – Borrisoleigh
7. Richard O Donoghue (Captain) – Templederry (0-1)
8. Matt Ryan – Templederry (0-2)
9. Conor Looby – Templederry
10. Jamie Corcoran – Borrisoleigh (0-1)
11. Nicky Cooney – Borrisoleigh (1-1)
12. Cathail Ryan – Newport/Ballinahinch (0-1)
13. Alvis Danko – Borrisoleigh (1-0)
14. Robert Delaney – Toomevara (0-7)
15. Michael Lavery – Upperchurch (1-1)
16. Harry Young – Borrisoleigh
17. John Ryan – Borrisoleigh