Kanturk fall to Castlehaven

Castlehaven 0-14 Kanturk 1-9

VISITING Castlehaven were pushed to the pin of their collar to collect five points from a narrow victory over Kanturk in the County FL Division 2.

The ‘Haven achieved their target on putting together a well organised and effective performance in the opening half to hold a commanding advantage. However Kanturk mounted a second a second half rally and at the end of the hour, the Duhallow side can consider themselves somewhat unlucky after passing up a glut of chances.

Neither side fielded at full strength, the ‘Haven holding the early territorial grip, thanks to the industry of Ronan Walsh, Patrick O’Brien, Darragh Cahalane and Rory Maguire. And their workrate was commendable in attack, Seán Cahalane and Conor Nolan on target to forge a 0-8 to 0-3 advantage at the break.

The initiative remained with Castlehaven on the restart, Shane Hurley and Jamie Walsh adding three points. Trailing 0-11 to 0-3, it left Kanturk with a huge task yet they relished the task from the efforts of Liam Cashman, John McLoughlin and Ryan Walsh.

Pushing forward, Kanturk created chances and a pair of terrific saves by ‘Haven custodian Anthony Seymour denied Conor Breen and Ian Walsh of major scores. Back to back points from Mark Healy offered encouragement and Kanturk were back in the hunt, good work from Alan O’Keeffe and Jordan Fullerton allowed Walsh net from close range.

The sides swapped points from Walsh and a Cahalane effort was diverted over the crossbar by the fingertips of Kanturk ‘keeper Sam Hopkins. Fair play to a gutsy Kanturk that offered commendable spirit on remaining in the contest.

Indeed, the hosts battled on, rewarded on consecutive points from Walsh to leave just two between the sides. A few wrong options hindered Kanturk and hard though, they battled to save the day, they failed to muster up the required response.

Positive signs for both sides, Castlehaven beginning life in Division 2 with a win, next up for both the ‘Haven and Kanturk are Newcestown over the next two weekends.

CASTLEHAVEN: A Seymour; J O’Regan, R Walsh, C O’Sullivan; S Collins, P O’Brien, D Whelton; R Maguire, D Cahalane 0-3; J Walsh 0-2, C Maguire 0-2, S Hurley 0-1; C Hayes, S Cahalane 0-4, C Nolan 0-2 Subs: J Davis for J O’Regan, S Kearnrey for C Hayes

KANTURK: S Hopkins; C Mullane, L Cashman, J Carver; J McLoughlin, D Browne, D O’Connor; J Fullerton, R Walsh; A O’Keeffe, P Walsh, M Healy 0-2; C Clernon, I Walsh 1-7, C Breen Sub: A Murphy for C Breen

REFEREE: M J O’Keeffe (Dromtariffe)