Under 20 boss Hayes refusing to take Banner test lightly

CORK Under 20 manager Seán Hayes adopted the one game at a time mantra after his side emerged full value for a comfortable victory over Tipperary in the new look Munster Under 20 championship.

Apart from a nervous opening quarter, Cork emerged the probable winners because of the manner, they controlled possession and make it count on the scoreboard.

“We’re happy with the result, it was our first game in quite a while and it took 10-15 minutes to get into the contest. Though playing well, we gave away silly frees but as the game advanced, we got better and the 1-20 tally is impressive,” he said.

“Overall, our defence did well both individually and as a unit for Tipperary created no goal chance over the entire hour.”

The sides were almost toe for toe for the opening 20 minutes but a productive spell gave Cork a key advantage during the latter stages to the opening period.

“We needed the 0-11 to 0-3 cushion at the break, having played with the wind though not pushing on only to come to terms with the situation during the latter stages. The intention was to restart the second half the same as we finished the opener, it didn’t happen but the substitutes introduced made a difference, all did well and it proved a good workout,” said Hayes.

Guidelines hindered Cork’s lead up and preparations, no challenge games allowed over a weekend and players drafted into senior squads not eligible for the Under 20 grade saw Hayes and company face into the unknown.

“We had just two inter county games as part of the build up for this championship, earlier in the year, we also played the UCC Sigerson Cup team. A lack of games showed in our opening 15 minutes against Tipp, not up to the standard, that improved and hopefully, it will stand to us for the rest of the campaign,” said Hayes.

The Nemo clubman faces a hectic weekend, part of the Cork senior team management involved against Kerry in the Páirc Uí Chaoimh showdown to an old firm Munster SFC Final on Saturday. Twenty four hours earlier, Hayes dons the Bainisteoir bib as Cork encounter Clare in a provincial semi-final.

“That promises to be another tough tussle, its a game, we must win to remain involved. Hopefully, the Tipp contest will stand to us, it won’t win it and we’ve to get down to work during the week to map out a victory and secure a passage to a Munster final,” he concluded.