Two quick goals give Martin’s edge

A STRONG second-half showing from St. Martin’s helped them overcome Rathnure by one point in the Permanent TSB Junior hurling championship Group B game in Oylegate on Saturday.

Two goals in quick succession from team captain Seán Stafford proved decisive in what was a tight game from the off.

Rathnure had the better of the early exchanges and were 0-4 to 0-2 up after ten minutes thanks, in part, to a brace from Mark Boland.

In a tight opening quarter, St. Martin’s were level soon after when Donal Kelly and Seán Stafford pointed.

The remainder of the half saw both sides trade scores, but the accuracy of Syl Barron from placed balls gave Rathnure a two-point lead (0-8 to 0-6) at half-time.

The second-half began in the same vein as the first with both sides trading scores. A couple of Seán Stafford points had the teams level, but the game changed when the St. Martin’s captain moved to the edge of the square.

He found the net for the first time in the 42nd minute with a fine turn and strike, and again four minutes later after he fielded a terrific high ball to put his team six points up.

Rathnure were shell-shocked but were given a lifeline with seven minutes to play when Michael Martin hit a thunderbolt to the roof of the net.

Rathnure now threw everything at St. Martin’s and got to within one point when Martin popped over a free.

However, try as they might, they could not find the equaliser as St. Martin’s defended manfully, helped by the impressive Sam Audsley who deputised at full-back after Philip Dempsey had to come off injured.

The Wexford District side came out on top to finish first in the group, while Rathnure ended in third place. Their quarter-final opponents are Ferns St. Aidan’s and Horeswood respectively.

St. Martin’s: Dylan Byrne; Jack Whelan, Philip Dempsey, Sam Audsley; Johnny Hamilton, Adrian Ryan, Tony Kelly; Donal Kelly (0-1), Adam Cantwell; Darren Jordan (0-1), Seán Stafford (2-6, 0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘65), Nicky Greene; Ben Stafford (0-1), Diarmuid Barry, Liam O Lionáin. Sub. - Dylan Byrne for Dempsey, inj. (50).

Rathnure: Seán Nolan; Dylan Hogan, Mick O’Leary, Aodhán Foley; Alan Ronan, Teddy O’Connor, Seán O’Neill; Syl Barron (0-5, 3 frees, 1 ‘65), Dylan Hogan; Mark Boland (0-3), Michael Martin (1-1), Stephen Martin; Nigel Higgins (0-1), James Flynn, Brendan O’Leary (0-1). Subs. - Ben Ronan for S. Martin (35), Kiall Byrne for Flynn (51).

Referee: Aidan Foley (Shelmaliers).