Shamrocks 1-13, Valley Rovers 2-9
Shamrocks were back in Under 21 Hurling championship action for the first time in recent years and showed what it takes to grind out a very merited victory with a great second half performance.
Shamrocks got on the score sheet early and after been level on two occasions the Rovers hit two goals to put distance between the teams. They led 2-6 to 0-6 at the break.
The Mentors made a few vital positional switches including moving Darragh Scriven to full forward and Andrew O’Grady to mid field. Darragh, who captained the side, showed great leadership and determination and put the ball over the Rover’s goal line to record our only goal. At the other end his brother Cormac playing in goal, pulled off a fantastic save that uplifted the team too. Mark Hitchmough was back to his best form at centre back with Aonghus Boland putting in a fine effort too.
Coby hit two great points as well. With time running out the Rovers were desperately defending a one point lead. They conceded a 65 metre free which was put over the bar by Andrew O’Grady. Great work by Brendan Crowley enabled Darragh Scriven to hit the winner and put the team into the semi final.
Team Manager Colin Brady and his fellow mentors were thrilled with the great character of this team.
Team: Cormac Scriven, Sean Kidney; Shane Kelleher, David Barry, Mark Hitchmough, Tom Murphy, Roy Twomey (0-2), Darragh Scriven 1-3), Coby O’Grady (0-2), Andrew O’Grady (0-6), Christopher Hayes, Brendan Crowley, Aonghus Boland. Sub Matthew Fleming.
