Solohead down the Kickhams to make the west junior B last four

Solohead, the holders, are safely through to the semi final of the Tipperary Co Op West Junior B Hurling Championship following their seven point victory over Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams in the Quarter Final at Dillon Quirke GAA Grounds Clonoulty on Thursday evening.

Played in good conditions, with a slight diagonal wind blowing from the road goals, Solohead made the running from the off.

With the Dee brothers in goods form they led by 0.8 to 0.3 at the quarter mark and by 1.11 to 0.5 at the break, the goal coming from Stephen Dee, seven minutes before the interval.

Solohead continued where they left off after the break and an Anthony Owens goal seven minutes after the restart gave them a twelve point advantage. Kickhams came more into the game and a Shane Morrissey goal kickstarted a mini revival.

For the final quarter Kickhams took the game to their rivals but were unable to breakdown the Solohead defence, relying on the free taking of Michael Gleeson to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Solohead finished the stronger with late points from their top scorers, Stephen Dee and Anthony Owens, to advance to the semifinals.

They will be happy with this display, especially with their forwards who took their scores well. Their defence was well marshalled by Philip O’Doherty in goal, with Brian Garvin, Noel Kennedy and Denis O’Shea particularly impressive. 

Scorers;
Solohead: Stephen Dee (1.5), Anthony Owens (1.3), James Dee (0.5, 4 frees), Philip O’Doherty (0.1, free), Tristan Stokes (0.1), Eoin Murray (0.1), Eoin Riordan (0.1)

Kickhams: Michael Gleeson (0.5, frees), Dan Lonergan (0.4, 3 frees), Shane Morrissey (1.0), Jack Ryan (B) (0.2, frees), Sean Cannon (0.1), Conor O’Mahony (0.1)

Teams: 

Solohead: Philip O’Doherty, Colm Allen, Michael O’Connor, Brian Garvin, Noel Kennedy, Brendan Collins, Denis O’Shea, Tommy O’Mahony, Eoin Murray, James Dee (Captain), Anthony Owens, Chris O’Connor, Stephen Dee, Tristan Stokes, Eoin Riordan
Subs used: Aaron Ryan (S) for Eoin Murray (54 mins.), Declan Riordan for Eoin Riordan (55Mins.), Chris Kirby for Chris O’Connor (55 mins.), Damien Ryan C for Tristan Stokes (58 mins.)

Kickhams: Conor Butler, Diarmaid Carr, Diarmaid Kinnane, Brian Furlong, Jack Ryan (B), Aidan Duggan, Johnny Ryan, Sean Cannon, Shane Morrissey, Dan Lonergan (Captain), Paidi Carroll, Michael Gleeson, Joe O’Dwyer, Peter Comerford, Alan Butler
Subs used; Ger O’Dwyer for Joe O’Dwyer (42 mins.), Jack O’Neill for Peter Comerford (42 mins.), Conor O’Mahony for Dan Lonergan 947 mins.)

Referee: Richie O’Connor (Arravale Rovers)