Newtownshandrum grind out close win
THE 32nd Allianz sponsored Avondhu Annual Sciath na Scoil Hurling finals were held in Mallow GAA Sports Complex on Thursday last. The games were played in very good weather conditions with the standard of hurling very high. on Thursday was the meeting of neighbours Newtownshandrum N.S and Charleville CBS in the Roinn A 1 final.
A minute’s silence was observed before the game in memory of Brian Morrissey who had died in a drowning accident a few days earlier. Newtownshandrum, were quick to settle, Darren Fehan their best player had a goal and three points in the opening 12 minutes.
It took Charleville CBS till the 15th minute to secure their first score by David Forde (free). Newtown finished out the half strong, they had a pointed free by Darren Fehan with Eoin O’Connor also finding the net. Deep in injury time Robert Carroll goaled for the Rathluirc side who were back in the hunt trailing 3-3 to 1-1 at the break.
For the second half Charleville thundered into the game with Sean Canning outstanding. Canning soloed through early on for a great goal. In the 3rd minute Canning won a great delivery in midfield and soloed through placing David Forde who struck the net and the lead was down to two points 3-3 to 3- 1.
Sean Canning cut through once more being fouled. The resultant free by Dwy Neligan went narrowly wide. Just when it looked as if Charleville were going to move ahead it was Newtown who responded well when D J Collins combined with Rory Troy who placed Colin Quaid for a vital Newtown goal edging them 5 points clear 4 -3 to 3- 1. Both sides swopped a point. A 21 metre free by Sean Canning was well saved by the Newtown defence. Darren Fehan had another pointed free with Sean Canning cutting through a number of defenders and striking the net in the closing moments 4-5 to 4-3.
Both goalkeepers made a very good save in injury time. Another foul on Sean Canning saw Charleville force a free with the last puck of the game. The free was taken too short and the final whistle followed with Newtown holding out for a two point win.