Castletownroche always in control in Co JBHC

Castletownroche 2-20 Gleann Na Laoi 1-9

Castletownroche were never really troubled by Glenn Na Laoi when they clashed in the opening round of the Co JBHC at Blarney on Saturday evening. From the outset, the winners gained control with Niall Hazelwood and Aidan O'Leary commanding figures at midfield that ensured a con

stant supply of quality ball to their forwards, where Muiris Browne, Dane O'Neill and Mark O'Callaghan impressed for the North Cork side.

The opening stages saw the winners race into a 0-3 to no score lead, before Gleann Na Laoi got their account up and running when Shane Lucey pointed two frees in quick succession by the sixth minute. At this early stage, Castletownroche were controlling matters with Mark O'Callaghan (3), Dane O'Neill, Aidan O'Leary and Muiris Browne having points that moved them 0-9 to 0-3 in front and they could have been further ahead when the Gleann Na Laoi keeper, Ken Holland made a great save to deny the inrushing Muiris Browne. Nevertheless, the Avondhu side made amends in the 25th minute when great work by Mark O'Callaghan set up Dane O'Neill, who finished a cracking goal to the bottom corner - 1-11 to 0-4.

In the run up to the break, the Mid Cork side pulled a point back when Colin McCarthy set up Evan Lucey for a fine point, before Castletownroche completed the first half scoring when Diarmuid Fisher set up Muiris Browne for a point as they held a 1-12 to 0-5 advantage at the break.

On the changeover, the winners dispelled any notions of a Gleann Na Laoi revival when good work by Muiris Browne and Dane O'Neill set up Diarmuid Fisher for a goal within seconds of the throw in. Gleann Na Laoi refused to yield and gave a good account of themselves for the remainder of the game with Colm Horgan, Finbarr Falvey, Shane Lucey and Evan Lucey very much to the fore. Evan Lucey (3), Aidan O'Leary, Mark O'Callaghan and Muiris Browne traded points by the mid-way stage, 2-15 to 0-8. The North Cork side stretched their lead when Niall Hazelwood, Dane O'Neill and Mark O'Callaghan chipped in with three points in as many minutes.

Gleann Na Laoi replied with a goal when Colin McCarthy finished a penalty to the net in the 50th minute 2-18 to 1-8 but there was no denying Castletownroche the manner of their victory as they emerged victors by a 14 point margin.

Castletownroche: Padraig Morrissey, Adrian O'Donovan, Will Madden, Pat Madden, Seamus Sheehan, Thomas Barrett, Billy Batterberry, Niall Hazelwood 0-1, Aidan O'Leary 0-3, Diarmuid Fisher 1-0, Muiris Browne 0-4, Liam Sugrue, Dane O'Neill 1-4, James Linehan, Mark O'Callaghan 0-8 (0-7f). Subs: Robert Quirke for Niall Hazelwood, Jonathan O'Callaghan for Diarmuid Fisher, Wesley Walshe for Pat Madden. Referee Paddy O'Sullivan (Glenville).