Kilbrin hurlers survive Banteer comeback in JAHC

the snappier hurling despite the heavy rain.

Early in the second half, Kilbrin’s capacity to open up the opposing defence helped secure a clear three goal advantage. However entering the latter stages, Banteer had whittled the deficit down to just two points, Kilbrin’s cause, not helped on a red card picked up by inter county player William Egan.

It left Kilbrin with a real challenge but as they have done so often in the past, they worked their way out of trouble and back to back points from Eoin Sheahan sealed the outcome.

A tonic start allowed Kilbrin grab the early initiative, Shane Crowley placed Stephen O’Reilly for a goal. Banteer answered, points to Denis Roche and Eamonn O’Flynn tied up the contest.

Kilbrin proceeded to grab a firm foothold, Egan and Thomas O’Reilly asserted control in defence with eyecatching performances too from William Heffernan, Garret Linehan, Sheahan and Crowley. And their cause was helped on a delivery by O’Reilly was partly cleared only for Crowley to goal from a loose clearance.

A purple patch followed for Kilbrin, Crowley and Sheahan adding points with Banteer thankful to custodian Kevin Roche on producing a series of excellent saves. Banteer finished the opening half on a positive note, Denis Roche and David Murphy pointed to cut the leeway 2-8 to 0-7 at the break.

However Banteer faced a mountain to climb from the 32nd min on Sheahan setting up Linehan for Kilbrin’s third goal. Credit Banteer on raising their game impressively, Martin Kearney, Kevin Tarrant, Murphy and Roche to the fore.

Indeed Banteer had injected fresh energy into their play after Kearney laid the groundwork for O’Flynn to net to narrow the arrears 3-10 to 1-12. Kilbrin lost Egan to a straight red card yet points to Heffernan and Crowley looked good enough for Kilbrin to succeed.

Again Banteer dug in, Kearney pointed a long range free before a Roche goal left just two points between the sides. It left Kilbrin facing a massive test of resolve and their response was positive, Sheahan on target on the double to confirm the destination of the spoils.