BALLYGIBLIN PIPPED IN U18 HC FINAL

Clyda Rovers 0-11 Ballygiblin 0-9 Clyda Rovers and Ballygiblin played an entertaining Rebel Og North Under 18 Div 2 HC final at Ballygiblin on Saturday. The game was played in heavy conditions due to the heavy rain prior to the game.

Exchanges were close all through with only two points separating the sides for long periods. Ben Nyhan and Eoin Flynn were key marksmen for either side, each finishing with 0-9.

Eoin Flynn opened the scoring with an early pointed ‘65 for the home side. Ben Nyhan levelled from a free. Flynn with two more pointed frees edged Ballygiblin 0-3 to 0-1 ahead. Garry Deane and Ben Nyhan had pointed frees that had the sides deadlocked 0-3 each at the first water break.

On the restart, Garry Deane worked well for Darragh Lawlee whose shot at goal was well saved by Michael Roche. Eoin Flynn then added a Ballygiblin point. Ben Nyhan with two frees opened up a lead (0-5 to 0-4) for the winners. Eoin Flynn, Ballygiblin’s only scorer, levelled at 0-5 each. Then, just before half-time, Ben Nyhan with another free edged Rovers 0-6 to 0-5 ahead at the interval.

On the changeover, Ballygiblin introduced Cathal and Conor Walsh. Garry Deane with a long range free edged Clyda 0-7 to 0-5 ahead. Ballygiblin’s Eoin Flynn, with another free, cut the lead to a single point. Ben Nyhan had three pointed frees in a row that opened up a lead - 0-10 to 0-6. Just before the second water break Eoin Flynn with another free cut the lead at the break - 0-10 to 0-7.

Ballygiblin did well on the restart. Daniel

Harte and Ryan Donegan were impressive in the half back line. Eoin Flynn pointed a free. Both sides missed a few chances with Flynn pointing a ‘65 as the gap was down to the minimum. Ballygiblin were unable to get on terms however, with Clyda getting the insurance point courtesy of Ben Nyhan as the game entered injury time.

Following the game, Noel O’Neill, PRO Rebel Og North, presented the cup to the winning captain, Garry Deane.

Ballygiblin: Michael Roche, Tadhg Kent, Sean O’Doherty, Cormac Luddy, Daniel Harte, Ryan Donegan, David Conroy, Adam Barry, Eoin Geary, Mark Walsh, Eoin Flynn (0-9 - 0-5f., 0-2 ‘65s), Kevin Cotter, Shane O’Brien, Dollian Sheehan, Jack Hennessy. Subs: Cathal Walsh for Shane O’Brien, Conor Walsh for Jack Hennessy, Bobby Baker for Mark Walsh.

Referee: Alec Morrissey (Newtownshandrum).