Crokes see off plucky Strand Road
COUNTY SENIOR CLUB FC GROUP 1 ROUND 2
Kerins O‘Rahilys 1-14 Dr.Crokes 2-13
IN this pulsating Round Club Championship game played at the Strand Road grounds, Dr Crokes prevailed by the skin of their teeth when overcoming a brave challenge.
With five minutes remaining, the teams were deadlocked at Kerins O’Rahillys 1-14 to Dr.Crokes 2-11. With Strand Road on the attack, a ball that was lost in possession was turned over by Crokes and, instead of a Rahillys score, it was Crokes who capitalised and their star player Dáithí Casey put over the bar, giving them the lead at a vital juncture.
Although Barry John Keane replied with an equaliser, a Tony Brosnan minor and a final point from centre-back Alan O’Sullivan got them over the line and possibly a place in the final.
Although Kerins O’Rahillys had the opening score of the game, a point from a free by the impressive John Ferguson, Crokes replied when they set up Kieran O’Leary who billowed the net from close range.
O’Rahillys replied with points from Jack Savage, Gavin O’Brien and John Ferguson to leave the sides level at the 11th minute: 0-4 to Dr Crokes 1-1, their point coming from the accurate boot of Tony Brosnan.
Kieran O’Leary pushed them ahead in the 12th minute with a well taken point. Rahillys replied with a John Ferguson point, but a great run through the middle by Dáithí Casey and he blasted to the net to put Crokes ahead by 2-2 to Rahillys 0-4 at the 15th minute.
However, O’Rahillys hit back and points by Jack Savage (2), Barry John Keane (2) and John Ferguson had them ahead at half-time: Kerins O’Rahillys 0-9 to Dr Crokes 2-2.
The second half started in whirlwind fashion with both sides trading points.
It was nip and tuck for the next quarter, with both defences on top. O’Raillys had points from Jack Savage (2) and Barrry John Keane to leave Crokes ahead by 2-9 to 0-12 at the 48th minute. Crokes’ points came from Johnny Buckley, Dáithí Casey and Tony Brosnan.
Strand Road sallied up the field and a high ball in the Crokes’ goalmouth was fisted to the net by Gavin O’Brien to leave a point between the sides: O’Rahillys 1-12 to Dr Crokes’ 2-10.
A well taken point by John Ferguson levelled matters in the 53rd minute and, with four minutes extra time added, it was anyone’s game, but the experienced Crokes held out for victory.