Adamstown edge out Shamrocks
ADAMSTOWN SHAMROCKS
ADAMSTOWN EDGED out a fairly one dimensional Shamrocks side in Group B of The Courtyard Ferns Intermediate hurling championship in St. Patricks Park, Enniscorthy, on Friday.
In truth, there was never an insurmountable gap between the teams but Shamrocks failed to generate enough scores from open play.
Indeed, Pa Weafer can be thanked for 13 of the Enniscorthy side’s 14 scores, all of which were from dead-balls. He scored all seven of their first-half points, a competitive tally only separated by the game’s only goal.
That came when Michael Curtis bundled the ball over the line, just moments after he had spurned an earlier effort, firing wide from a Jeremiah O’Connor error.
The goal actually tied the game after Shamrocks had raced in to an early 0-5 to 0-2 lead. Tony French and Seán Barden had scored Adamstown’s earlier points.
The New Ross District side closed the half out stronger after they’d raised the green flag, and points from Liam Stafford, Michael Furlong, Barden and French opened up a three-point lead (1-7 to 0-7).
After the re-start, Shamrocks came out of the blocks faster again as Weafer pointed the first three scores of the period as they drew level.
However, the next three scores, all Adamstown points, were probably the most vital in deciding the outcome of the game.
Shane O’Gorman, French, and an impressive Barden point from wide left, reinstated their half-time advantage (1-10 to 0-10).
From this position, they outscored their opponents by five points to four. Shamrocks produced their only score from play all day as Brandon O’Connor was on target from distance. Aside from that, Weafer added three more to cap off his impressive personal tally.
Adamstown closed out the game with little signs that their lead was under any real threat. Braces from Michael Furlong and Paudie Barden, as well as a French single, ensured there was safety in their victory.
The pick of the final scores probably went to Furlong, who held his composure to score as he tumbled to his knees to cement the win.
Adamstown: Paul Cooper; Johnny Connors, P.J. Carroll, Colm Boland; Lorcan French, Shane O’Gorman (0-1), Brendan Furlong (capt.); Michael Furlong (0-3), Tony French (0-5 frees); Tomás Harrington, Seán Barden (0-3), Liam Stafford (0-1); Michael Curtis (1-0), Paudie Barden (0-2), Harry Cosgrave. Sub. - Seánie O’Neill for Cosgrave (36).
Shamrocks: Jeremiah O’Connor; Barry Dobbs, Anthony Wallace, Jamie Dagg; Brandon O’Connor (0-1), Bob Jacob, Podge Doyle; Maurice Casey (capt.), Cyril Thorpe; Pa Weafer (0-13 frees), Jack Moorehouse, Philip Freeman; Harry Goff, John O’Connor, Seán Wildes.
Referee: Brian O’Leary (Crossabeg-Ballymurn).