First win for Davidstown
Strong second-half display
D’TOWN-C’CUDDY 2-16 FAYTHE HARRIERS 2-12
A STRONG second-half showing earned a hungry Davidstown-Courtnacuddy side their first win in Group B of the Permanent TSB Junior hurling championship in Killurin on Sunday.
The teams were all square at the break, deadlocked at 0-7 to 1-4, but goals from Johnny Delaney and James Kelly after the interval propelled the Enniscorthy District side to a much-needed victory.
After Jack Murphy knocked over the opening score for the Harriers, Davidstown-Courtnacuddy quickly found their stride, scoring six points on the trot by the 14th minute, with David Dunne contributing three classy points, and fellow sharp-shooter James Kelly matching that tally.
The Harriers got the fillip they needed, however, when Jack O’Leary plundered a goal, latching on to a delivery from Conor Halligan and applying the finish.
Jack Murphy and Wally Furlong then swapped scores, before the Wexford town side finished the half on a high, with James Henebery converting two placed balls to draw them level.
They continued that purple patch after the interval, with Jack Murphy and Henebery pointing, but following a James Kelly free Davidstown-Courtnacuddy well and truly got back in the driving seat when Johnny Delaney struck for a goal.
Philip Murphy played a pinpoint pass into the full-forward, and he finished with aplomb, burying a shot past Adam McDaid.
The Harriers managed to stay within touching distance until the 54th minute, when a James Kelly goal effectively put the game to bed. Johnny Delaney turned provider this time, teeing up Kelly, who finished with confidence to make it 2-12 to 1-9.
Jack O’Leary pulled a goal back for the Harriers in injury time from close range, but it did little to dampen the Davidstown-Cournacuddy spirits.
Davidstown-Courtnacuddy: Stephen Dunbar; Ger Martin, Mick Murphy, Donal O’Shea; Darragh Cooper, Pat Rowsome, Paul Sheridan; Philip Murphy (0-1), James Doyle (0-1); Mark Murphy, Wally Furlong (0-2), Stephen Kennedy; James Kelly (1-7, 0-4 frees), Johnny Delaney (1-0), David Dunne (0-5, 1 line ball). Subs. - Danny Delaney for Sheridan, Kieran McCabe for Kennedy, Alan Hickey for O’Shea, Daryl Freeman for D. Delaney.
Faythe Harriers: Adam McDaid; Seán Banville, Emmet Keeling, Stephen Cummins; Danny Walsh, Alan Lynch, Fran Cleary; Tomás Campbell, Daniel Lynch (0-1); Conor Halligan, Eoin Roche (0-1), Jack Murphy (03); James Henebery (0-5, 3 frees, 1 ‘65), Jack O’Leary (2-1), Fiach O Crualaoich. Subs. - Pádraig Clancy for Halligan, Nicky Murphy for Keeling, Seán Pailing (0-1) for Roche.
Referee: Derek Murphy (St. Martin’s).