Two from two for Craanford
Stellar second-half show
HAVING STEPPED up the tempo of their game, Craanford went on to control the second 30 minutes to run out comfortable eleven-point winners over Rathnure in this Top Oil Intermediate ‘A’ hurling championship Group B game in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, on Saturday.
On paper this appeared as if it would be a close affair, and very little did separate the sides in the opening half.
However, Craanford’s ability to capitalise on defensive errors did lead to two vital goals in that period.
Rathnure opened impressively enough with three points during the first six minutes from Fran Murphy, Michael Martin and a Syl Barron free, while Oliver Doran pointed a free for the opposition.
Rathnure led by 0-7 to 0-3 at the end of the opening quarter, mainly through the accurate free-taking of Barron, but when it looked as they were settling into the game, disaster struck in the second quarter.
With Oliver Doran beginning to gain a grip in midfield, Craanford took the initiative as they got back level (1-5 to 0-8) after 21 minutes when James Lancaster pounced on a ball close to goal after hesitation from Rathnure to finish low to the net.
While Rathnure managed to put this setback behind them, as they were still level approaching the break, they were rocked again in additional time.
Netminder Seán Nolan was caught in possession to the right of the posts, despite having time to clear, and he decided to pass the ball across the face of goal.
The defence failed to clear, leaving Matthew Nolan to crash the loose ball to the net, giving his side a 2-8 to 0-11 interval lead.
After Matthew Nolan and Syl Barron (free) had exchanged early second-half points, Craanford went on to play the quality hurling as they assumed total control, with centre-back Patrick Murray and Oliver Doran in midfield, along with Niall Berney and Matthew Nolan in attack, ensuring that their side turned their possession into scores.
Five minutes into the second period, corner-forward Ger Lyons finished a neat move with a fine goal, and when their third goal - an excellent finish from the same player - arrived at the end of the third quarter, the result was a foregone conclusion (4-10 to 0-13).
The Gorey District side went on to remain in control to comfortably take both points, with a display that must have delighted manager R.J. Blake.
Craanford: Andrew Tighe; Joe Berney, Michael Lyons, Michael O’Loughlin; Páuric Redmond, Patrick Murray, William Conroy; Jim Kenny, Oliver Doran (0-6, 3 frees); Eamonn Doran (0-2), Niall Berney, Eoin Doyle; Ger Lyons (2-0), Matthew Nolan (1-4), John Lancaster (1-0). Subs. - Kevin Poole (0-4, 3 frees) for Redmond, James Smith for Doyle.
Rathnure: Seán Nolan; Philip Redmond, Teddy O’Connor, Dylan Hogan; Ben Ronan, Declan Foley, Eoghan Byrne; Alan Ronan (0-1), Aodhán Foley; Syl Barron (0-8, 7 frees), Fran Murphy (0-2), Michael Martin (0-4); James Flynn (0-2), Seánie Redmond, Stephen Martin. Sub. - Thomas Furlong for Byrne.
Referee: Thomas Furlong (Adamstown).