Valley Rovers 2-9, Shamrocks 0-8
Shamrocks lost their first round game in the hurling championship in Ballinhassig on Thursday night last. The Rovers had a strong second 15 out and it was always going to be a tough ask for a Shamrocks team who could have done with a few more weeks preparation. However, despite the 7 point defeat, this was an encouraging display from them and the scoreline flattered Rovers somewhat. The game basically came down to the ability of Rovers to score goals at vital times; goals that killed the Shamrocks challenge really; while at the other end the lack of even creating a goal scoring opportunity stymied the Shamrocks challenge.
The early exchanges were tight as a heavy shower made life difficult for all players. Valleys went 2 points up but Shamrocks responded through a couple of frees from Mickey Prout. However, then came the first Rovers goal and it really was a gift for them to push on. They went 4 points up and that gap remained to halftime (1-4 to 0-3) and beyond as both team matched each other, the Shamrocks display a few notches up from the previous one. But yet again, Rovers stole in for a soft goal after hesitation in the defence and that was game over with 10 minutes to go. Joseph Shanahan had taken over free taking duties and did well while Mickey Prout knocked over a beauty from play. However, the Rovers kept Shamrocks at arms length in the second half to progress.
The game will definetly bring Shamrocks on and after the last few weeks, if the hurling can be focused on in training, they will be well set for the Crosshaven back door game around June 12th. They play Bandon next Wednesday in the league at home. Again, it was great to see 26 players togged out with a few more to come onto that as well.
Team: C. O’Sullivan, J. Tuohy, S. Collins, S. Andrews, J. Browne, A. McCarthy, C. Kidney, M. Prout, G. Ronayne, F. O’Neill, B. Mulqueen, J. Shanahan, T. O’Mahony, S. Keane, D. O’Sullivan. Subs used – S. O’Neill, C. Ronayne, S. Bourke
