Ballinhassig 4-14, Shamrocks 5-9
A high scoring game went Ballinhassigs way in Shanbally on Wednesday evening. The teams were evenly matched for most of the game but Ballinhassig scored 1-4 without reply coming down the stretch and just about deserved the win.
Shamrocks played with a strong breeze in the first half and would have been disappointed to be only drawing 2-6 to 2-6 at half time – they needed a lead considering the wind. Ballinhassig led early on but Shamrocks slowly began to get on the scoreboard, in particular Fergus O’Neill who scored 2 great goals from play and Stephen O’Neill with 2 points from play along with Barry Mulqueen and Andrew O’Grady points.
Shamrocks battled hard throughout the second half after making a few switches and led until 5 minutes from the end when Ballinhasig struck for that quickfire 1-4. O’Gradys long range free went all the way to the Ballinhassig net in the last minute but it wasnt enough and the referee blew up soon after.
Overall, a decent display against an experienced Ballinhassig 3rd team who were well able to hurl and used their big men to their considerable advantage. Shamrocks can take a lot from its and have another few weeks to get things right before championship.
Team: C. Scriven, D. Barry, S. Andrews, C. Kidney, D. O’Neill, S. Collins, M. Hitchmough, J. Tuohy, B. Mulqueen, A. O’Grady, F. O’Neill, T. Langton, S. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, D. O’Sullivan. Sub used – C. Hayes
