Curry earn win over lacklustre Eastern Harps

TWO sides from the lower regions of the league table met in Curry on Sunday.

Both have a tradition of great sporting rivalry,producing some exciting battles over the years. This wasn’t in keeping with the established tradition.

Curry put down a marker from the throw-in and never let their opponents get a foothold in the game.

They had a man-of-the-match performance from full forward Tommy Henry while Harps were over dependent on Shane O’Grady to convert frees.

The winners opened their account through Fergal Brennan from a Tommy Henry pass after four minutes.

Veteran Sean Davey,who was influential as usual throughout ,set up Tommy Henry for Curry’s second point.

Kevin Reilly,Tommy Henry and Michael Gordon all added points while Harps response saw Shane O’Grady point two frees from 30m.

Sean Davey added a point from play before Tommy Henry finished a fine Curry passing move to the roof of the Harps net.

Fergal Brennan and Tommy Henry tacked on further points.

Points from Michael Lennon,Martin Doherty and Shane O’Grady left Harps 0-5 to 1-9 in arrears at the interval.

On the resumption two pointed frees from Shane O’Grady reduced the deficit. The Tommy Henry salvo continued with three pointed frees and two points from play interspersed with a Gary Walsh point from play. Harps kept the scoreboard ticking over with a point from Michael Lennon and three from Shane O’Grady, one from a 20m free.

Tommy Henry kicked the point of the day from distance, Red Óg Murphy pointed a 13m free and Tommy Henry added his final point from play.

Harps sole response was a 40m free pointed by Shane O’Grady.

Overall, Curry were deserving winners,showing greater hunger and commitment. Harps defence was under intense pressure at times,while the attack lacked penetration and was prone to easy turnovers and some ill-judged options.

Curry moved the ball with great- er purpose and many of their lesser known players showed promise for the future.

Both sides will view upcoming fixtures as crucial to avoid the drop and prepare for their championship assignments. On Sunday’s evidence Curry are in a better place right now as they look forward to contesting the Owen B. Hunt Cup.

The sporting game was controlled in sensible fashion by referee Pat Normanly.

Curry Scorers: Tommy Henry 1-10 (0-3f.),F.Brennan 0-2, S.Davey 0-2, K.Reilly,M.Gordon,G.Walsh,Red Og Murphy 0-1 each. E.HARPS Scorers: S.O Grady 0-9 (0-8f.),M.Lennon0-2(0-1f.),M.Doherty 0-1.

CURRY : J.McDonagh;A.Kearns,T. Stenson,G.Gallagher;G.Walsh,J.WalshK.Reilly;S.Colleary,J.Durcan;M. Gordon,S.Davey.F.Brennan;Red Og Murphy,T.Henry,J.Feeney.

SUBS used:D.Mc Donagh,K.Davey,O. Higgins,S.Marren,E.Walsh.

E.HARPS: G.Horan;B.Cryan,R.Reid,C. Coyle;S.O’HaraE.Lavin,K.Gallagher;E. Dwyer,T.Taylor; C.HIGGINS,T.CRYAN,J.O’HARA;S.BRUEN,S.O’GRADY,M.DOHERTY. SUBS used:M.Lennon,C.Gallagher. REFEREE: Pat.Normanly (Tourlestrane).