Bolger goal separates sides after tense battle
RATHGAROGUE-CUSHINSTOWN secured their first win of The Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Championship, after a spirited second-half performance saw them overcome Blackwater in this crucial Group A tie in Oylegate on Saturday.
With both sides failing to win any of their previous games, a win here was of the utmost importance with the possibility of a relegation play-off looming all the closer for the loser.
Because of what was at stake both sides tore in proceedings from the off making for an exciting affair overall, but it was the hunger shown in the second-half by the eventual winners that saw them just get over the line, pushed all the way by a typically stubborn Blackwater side
Scores were hard to come by in the opening half with Blackwater taking a four-point lead midway through the half thanks to Mick Lillis and Darren Byrne, as their opponents struck six wides in the same period.
They eventually found the mark in the 18th minute when Matthew Cody found the range and they finished the half a point behind thanks to Dara and Ollie Bolger and two spectacular efforts from wing-back, Jason Dunne.
Blackwater looked to be on the back-foot now and that proved to be the case as they went a point behind five minutes into the new half thanks to Ollie Bolger and Dunne.
The game was a real dog-fight now and scores were exchanged on three occasions up to the midway point, when the eventual winners were given a great advantage after the ball bounced unkindly, deceiving two Blackwater defenders and Dara Bolger capitalised to hit the net.
This proved to be the crucial score of the game as both sides continued to do trojan work with Bernard Furlong and Robert Murphy keeping the scoreboard ticking over for the leaders.
Lillis continued to be deadly accurate from placed balls, but Blackwater just couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed and now need a win in their final encounter.
Ratgarogue-Cushinstown are still not safe however but a win in their final game would not only see them safe but could also secure them a quarter-final spot.
Ratgarogue-Cushinstown: Nicky Sinnott; Peader Cody, Bryan Cody, Ricky McGrath; Jason Dunne (0-3), Paudie McGrath, Eoin Porter; Matthew Cody (0-2), Brian O’Neill; Robert Murphy (0-3), Daniel Martin Carroll, Bernard Furlong (0-1); Dara Bolger (1-1), Ollie Bolger (0-3 frees), Tadhg Cody (0-2). Sub: Patrick Murphy for O. Bolger.
Blackwater: Peter O’Brien; Eoin O’Neill, Eanna Carroll, Aaron Culleton; Ben Redmond (0-1), Denis Carroll, Richard Blake; Mick Lillis (0-10 frees), Darren Byrne (0-2); Dean Whelan (0-1), Diarmuid Murphy, Paul Murphy; Kevin Corrigan, Paul O’Leary (0-1), Jake Nobbs. Subs: James Dooley for O’Neill, Dean Wright for Dooley, Lar Lacey for Murphy, Brian Dooley for Whelan.
Referee: Damien Donovan (Volunteers).