Shamrocks 0-16, Ballinhassig 4-1
A strange game and result at Shanbally on Tuesday evening but Shamrocks held on for the 3 point win. With both teams being out of the championship coming into the game, it was always going to be a low key affair with Shamrocks having that bit more to play for as they can still reach the league semi finals. Both teams were short a number of regulars but it gave the home side anyway an opportunity to play some of our younger players, indeed the forward line that finished the game was extremely young.
Just looking at the scoreline tells you it was 16 scores to 5 yet Ballinhassig nearly won this game on a limited amount of possession. They proved to be plucky opponents and despite being outplayed for long spells, gave themselves a fighting chance of getting something from the game entering the last 5 minutes. However, Shamrocks broke up the field and scored the insurance point from Darragh O’Sullivan.
Some of the Shamrocks play and scores, in particular in the first half, were outstanding; the forwards really clicked at times and put together some great moves; resulting in scores from play from Seanán Collins (4 points), Darragh O’Sullivan, Alan McCarthy, Cannice Cafferey, Philip Brady and Brian Sweeney who caught a great kickout and belted it straight over. Ballinhassig scored 1-1 at the other end but it was Shamrocks leading 0-11 to 1-1 at halftime and looking good.
Ballinhassig had the slight breeze in the second half and managed to stay in contention thanks to 3 goals, 2 of the lucky variety. Shamrocks kicked a number of wides and took wrong options at times but did just enough to win by 3 in the end.
Shamrocks are now 3rd in the League Cup competition and have completed their program. We just have to wait for the other clubs now to finish off their games to see if we qualify for a Semi Final at a later date.
Team: F. O’Neill, J. Browne, S. Hurley, S. Andrews, D. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, J. Tuohy, P. Lordan, A. McCarthy, P. Brady, S. Collins, C. Cafferey, D. O’Sullivan, S. Downey, J. Raleigh. Subs used – J. Wilson, R. Twomey
