Kieran Judge changes the game as Edward Crudden snatches equaliser
Newtown Blues and Hunterstown Rovers eventually came to grips at the Grove, Castlebellingham, on Sunday in the final of the Ranafast Cup.
And, after an hour’s exciting play, both sides were level at 0-9 each.
They will meet to try to settle the issue once more this coming Sunday at the same venue.
Whatever the outcome, it promises to be an exciting game if it is anything like the drawn match.
Hunterstown looked well set for victory mid-way through the second half on Sunday when they held a three-point lead and were on top in most sectors.
Then the Blues brought on Kieran Judge and he immediately clicked into a dangerous partnership with his brother, “Gull.” They hammered the Hunterstown defence and in ten minutes had turned the tables and looked as though they had snatched a victory when minutes earlier they were staring defeat in the face.
Hunterstown were flagging but in a desperate last ditch attempt they fought to get another crack for the Ranafast Cup and Edward Crudden earned them that right when he pointed from play with just seconds to spar.
For the Blues, Jim Lambe, in goal, Des Clinton, Des Byrne and Jackie Hanratty stood out well in Blues’ defence Oliver Judge was in great form at centrefield and came into his own in the closing quarter when one would have expected him to tire.
Chris Byrne, John Creavin, Mickey Doherty and substitute Kieran Judge took most of the honours in the attack, though it may be unfair to mention names in this match as they all gave of their best and produced a good game to watch
Hunterstown were well served by the two Matthews lads, Dan Rock and Colin Carey in defence; Richard Davis at centrefield and Tom Balfe, Edward Crudden and Jim Callaghan in the attack.
Blues’ scorers were : J. Creavin (0-3)-, C. Byrne (0-2), C. Henry (0-2); K. Judge (0-1) and J. Hanratty (0-1). Replying for Hunterstown were (0-5); J. Callaghan (0-2); K Murphy (0-1), E. Crudden (0-1).
Newtown Blues : J. Lambe, D Clinton, D. Byrne, G. Matthews, A, Byrne, J. Hanratty, M. Rossiter, O Judge, F. Brogan, M. Doherty, J. Creavin, C. Byrne, A. Fulham, C. Henry and J. Kennedy. Subs.: K. Judge for Fulham. O. McKenna for Kennedy.
Hunterstown Rovers : N. Taaffe, P. Matthews, J. Matthews, M Rock, D. Rock, C. Corey, M Taaffe, R. Davis, T. Rogers, E Crudden, K. Murphy, E. Clerkin T. Balfe, J. Fedigan, J. Callaghan. Sub.: Seamus Balfe for Joe Fedigan.
Harry Reilly was referee.