Ballinhassig 3-8, Shamrocks 1-1
Shamrocks opened up their hurling campaign against Ballinhassig on Sunday morning last and suffered a fairly comprehensive defeat to the SE champions. One could argue that the scoreline was somewhat flattering to Ballinhassig as Shamrocks played some good hurling at times, in particular the backs who did very well considering the pressure they were under throughout.
However, as the scoreline suggests, it was the age old Shamrocks problem of not being able to score enough while Ballinhassigs scores came that bit easier. They scored 2 early goals to push 2-4 to 0-1 ahead and basically that was the margin between the teams for the rest of the game. Seanán Collins did pull a goal back for Shamrocks before half time after his long range free went all the way to the Ballinhassig net. Half time 2-4 to 1-1 for Ballinhassig.
Shamrocks, despite playing well enough at times in the 2nd half and trying many positional switches, couldnt manage a single score in the second half and Ballinhassig wrapped things up with a late goal. Shamrocks were down a few players on the day and it is hoped that they will be back soon to strengthen the team. All roads point to the first round of the championship against Tracton, which is not fixed yet; probably around early May. Shamrocks A hurlers next game is at home to Courcey Rovers on Wednesday March 28th. Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday nights for all hurlers
Team: M. O’Neill, J. Tuohy, S. Collins, S. Andrews, J. Browne, C. Brady, S. O’Reilly, M. Prout, F. O’Neill, D. O’Neill, T. O’Mahony, B. Cusack, A. McCarthy, S. Keane, J. Raleigh. Subs used – S. O’Neill, S. Downey
