Late Ryan free gives Borris-Ileigh and Roscrea an unsatisfactory share of the spoils

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Championship – Group 4 – Round 2

Borris-Ileigh 0-19

Roscrea 1-16

By Stephen Barry

Roscrea were left to rue a missed chance to get one over on Borris-Ileigh as Shane Fletcher's final 65 dropped inches short in a draw which will disappoint both sides.

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Neither progression nor relegation can be ruled out for either team after their tense Templemore arm wrestle. The sides were level 11 times, although the balance of play was titled in Roscrea's favour throughout.

They took the lead 10 times against Borris's two, but couldn't hang on. A jittery finish saw four pointed frees and no score from play from the 47th minute onwards. 

Alan Tynan launched an instant point from the throw-in before returning captain Dan McCormack got Borris on the board.
Sweeper Conor Sheedy registered before Borris landed four points in three minutes, through Patrick Ryan's frees and intercept scores by James Devaney and Jerry Kelly. 

Roscrea struck for the game's only goal in the 10th minute after Luke Seacy's defensive work forced the free out. Sheedy sent it long and Jason Gilmartin read the break before pinging the sliotar home via the far post. 

A Fletcher free, Evan Fitzpatrick, and Michael Campion soon made it three on the trot, but Borris dug in with four of the final five points before the break. Ryan slotted two placed balls, Tom Delaney nailed another, and Devaney's third sent the sides in level; 0-12 to 1-9.

Dan Ryan and Devaney traded points before a Fitzpatrick goal chance was blocked by Delaney. Leigh Loughnane scored upon his introduction and Fitzpatrick landed a second highlight-reel point. Borris pegged them back with Devaney's fifth and a Colm Boyle score. 

The Tynans combined to draw a loud cheer for Darragh's finish before the hard-working Paddy McCormack popped over the final score from play.

Ryan, Fletcher, and keeper Enda Moloney slotted placed balls to leave Roscrea in a one-point lead. But Borris's decision to spring the injured Ray McCormack from the bench for the final moments was justified when he was fouled for Patrick Ryan's eighth free.

Scorers: Borris-Ileigh: Patrick Ryan 0-8 (8f), James Devaney 0-5, Jerry Kelly 0-2, Colm Boyle, Dan McCormack, Tom Delaney (f), Paddy McCormack all 0-1 each.

Roscrea: Shane Fletcher 0-5 (5f), Jason Gilmartin 1-0, Darragh Tynan, Alan Tynan, Evan Fitzpatrick 0-2 each, Enda Moloney (f), Michael Campion, Conor Sheedy, Dan Ryan, Leigh Loughnane all 0-1 each.

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack; Shane Kenny, Liam Ryan, Johnny McGrath; Dan McCormack, Tom Delaney, Kevin Maher; Seán McCormack, Colm Boyle; Jerry Kelly, Eddie Ryan, Conor Kenny; Patrick Ryan, Paddy McCormack, James Devaney. 

Subs used: Cathal Hogan for McGrath (HT); Tommy Ryan for Maher (41); Jack Fitzgerald for C Kenny (48); Kieran Maher for S McCormack (55); Ray McCormack for E Ryan (59).

Roscrea: Enda Moloney; Luke Seacy, Shane Davis, Aidan Booth; Darragh Tynan, Conor Phelan, Michael Campion; Alan Tynan, Dan Ryan; Evan Fitzpatrick, Conor Sheedy, Conor Booth; Shane Fletcher, Conor Dooley, Jason Gilmartin.

Subs used: Leigh Loughnane for C Booth (36); Kenny Lee for Gilmartin (46); Owen Tynan for Campion (50-52, temp); O Tynan for Phelan (55); Sam Dooley for Ryan (55).

Referee: Seán Everard (Moyne-Templetuohy)

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