Alley earn fighting chance
BUFFERS ALLEY have given themselves a fighting chance of reaching the Permanent TSB Junior Hurling Championship quarter-finals by beating Ferns in Camolin on Friday evening.
The Monamolin club, who came into the game on the back of a 22-point mauling at the hands of Rapparees, got themselves in front with three goals in the first seventeen minutes and hung on with 14 men after the interval.
Ferns will be left cursing those early goals, which came at a time when they were just settling into the game. However, having netted four times in their championship opener, they have failed to raise a green flag in either of their last two games and that is difficult to overcome at this level.
Ben Cowman had his side on the board early but quick goals from the two Paul D’s, Doran and Doyle, eased the Alley clear at the end of the opening quarter (2-2 to 0-2). Thomas O’Leary forced home a third in a crowded goalmouth but was given a straight red after an altercation just before the interval to leave his side defending a 3-5 to 0-5 lead a man light.
Ferns picked off early second half points through P.J. O’Neill, Lee Quigley, Paddy O’Leary and Jeff Tobin to get within six (3-6 to 0-9).
However, they managed just four points in the final quarter, never getting closer than five points, as the Alley held on for victory.
Both of these sides go into the last round of games in a strong position but will still be looking over their shoulders. Ferns have a tough test against Rapparees knowing a win will see them through, regardless of other results.
Buffers Alley also have their fate in their own hand, they will advance to the last eight if they beat Bannow-Ballymitty. Both will qualify regardless should Faythe Harriers lose to Horeswood and neither can be relegated.
BUFFERS ALLEY: Tony Doran; John Furlong, Alan Doyle, Matty Cardiff; Lee Murphy, Domhnall McArdle, Colm Óg Doran; Jamie Dempsey-Doyle (0-1), Kevin O’Leary; Thomas O’Leary (0-2), Jim Hughes (0-4 frees), Darragh Butler (1-0, capt.); Paul Doyle (1-0), Keith Burke (0-1), Paul Doran (1-1). Subs. Leonard Lacey for Cardiff, inj (29), Cian Fortune for P. Doran (42).
FERNS: Niall Byrne; Brian O’Neill, Patrick O’Hagan, William Bolger; P.J. O’Neill (0-1), Sean Walsh (capt.), Jack O’Hagan; Keith Breen (0-1), Peter O’Toole; Paddy O’Leary (0-2), Jeff Tobin (0-2), Derek Thorpe (0-2); Lee Quigley (0-3 frees), Jamie Whelan, Ben Cowman (0-2). Subs. - Colm Whelan for Tobin (48), Conor Jordan for Cowman (56), Peter Nolan for J. Whelan (56).
REFEREE: David O’Leary (Rathnure).