Castletownroche see off Kilworth
Castletownroche 1-16 Kilworth 1-10
A STRONG showing by Castletownroche in the opening half set them on their way to victory over Kilworth in Castletownroche on Friday evening.
Despite Mark O’Callaghan getting the scoring underway for Castletownroche in the second minute with a point it was Kilworth that struck for the games opening goal in the fourth minute by Daniel O’Regan to move 1-0 to 0-1 in front.
However, for the rest of the half Castletownroche with the aid of the strong wind certainly gained the upperhand. Points in quick succession by Dane O’Neill and Niall Hazelwood saw them get back on level terms before a purple patch by the home side helped them build up a commanding lead.
Mark O’Callaghan (2) Niall Hazelwood, Dave Relihan and Dane O’Neill reeled off some fine points by the end of the first quarter as they moved 0-9 to 1-0 in front. As the half went on Kilworth improved greatly with Shane O’Brien scoring two fine points from long range that closed the margin to four points by the 19th minute.
Just when Kilworth looked right back in the game it was Castletownroche that upped their efforts once again. Mark O’Callaghan pointed three more frees before the half time whistle and he was also on hand to score their goal in the 25th minute when he picked up possession from a Dave Relihan sideline as it helped them hold a 1-12 to 1-2 lead at the interval.
The second half saw a much improved Kilworth side take to the field. Their defence tightened up greatly holding their opponents to just four more points. By the end of the third quarter a good spell saw Daniel O’Regan, Ned O’Brien, James Moakley and Shane O’Brien with some splendid points reduce the margin to 1-14 to 1-6.
Over the next couple of minutes points were shared by Dane O’Neill, Michael O’Callaghan, Mark O’Callaghan and Daniel O’Regan 1-16 to 1-8. Kilworth battled away and two more points by Shane O’Brien and Michael O’Callaghan gave them a lifeline when just six points separated the teams by the 57th minute.
Kilworth tried hard to reduce the lead but in the end there was no denying Castletownroche their deserved win. CASTLETOWNROCHE: Donal Relihan, J.P Ryan, T Barrett, H Farrell, L Sugrue, Dave Relihan 0-1, J Browne, W Madden, M Browne, L Farrell, M O’Callaghan 1-9 (0-7f) N Hazelwood 0-2, D O’Connor, J Batterberry, D O’Neill 0-4 Subs: J O’Callaghan for L Farrell, C Relihan for J Batterberry
KILWORTH: B Carey, J McCarthy, J Horgan, J Casey, H Allen, B Tobin, B Roche, S O’Brien 0-4 (0-1f), M O’Callaghan 0-2, D O’Regan 1-2 (0-2f), J Moakley 0-1, J Twomey, K Murphy, N O’Brien 0-1, R McCarthy Sub: E McCormack for R McCarthy
REFEREE: John O’Brien (Ballygiblin)