Rosegreen edge closer to knock-out stages with narrow win over Sean Treacys

Rosegreen put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the Tipperary Co-Op West Junior B Hurling Championship following a hard fought win over Sean Treacys in Golden, 2-14 to 1-14.

Thomas Murphy’s goal with four minutes left of normal time proved to be the difference between the sides at full time.

The opening exchanges were fairly even on the scoreboard with Rosegreen ahead 0-3 to 0-2 after eleven minutes of play. Points from Diarmuid Quinlan, Ger Cummins (free x 2) for Rosegreen while Paudie Carey and Joe Carey were on target for Sean Treacys.

Rosegreen forged ahead in the next few minutes. Quinlan followed up his point with the game’s opening goal and then added another point. Rosegreen up by five points heading into the second quarter.

The five point advantage would to and fro between the teams as the remainder of the half played out. Paudie Carey, Sean Kennedy (free) and John Butler pointed for Sean Treacys while Ger Cummins (free), Harry Tobin and Colm Hayde all pointed for Rosegreen. Rosegreen ahead 1-8 to 0-5 at the break.

Sean Treacys started the second half in determined fashion hitting three points in a four minute spell from Shane Fahy, John Butler and Ger O’Toole as Rosegreen struggled to get hold of possession.

Ger Cummins steadied the ship for Rosegreen with another pointed free and this was followed by a first from Sean Cormack who was now operating further out the field. Sean Kennedy added another point from a placed ball to cut the deficit to four points but Ger Cummins kept daylight between the sides when he did likewise at the other end.

Sean Treacys had a series of wides which didn’t help their cause and when Ger Cummins added another from a place ball in the fifteenth minute of the half Rosegreen had restored their six point half time advantage. When Sean Cormack pointed his second, Rosegreen looked to be pulling away.

Treacys had been threatening goal, a few minutes earlier Daniel Hayde saved from Paudie Carey but on this occasion Joe Carey made no mistake firing to the net.

Ger Cummins could have restored Rosegreen’s advantage in the next attack but his shot went wide of the goal. Sean Kennedy cut the deficit further as Sean Treacy’s refused to wilt. The gap now at two points with five minutes of normal time on the clock. The game would turn in the next attack. Sean Treacys were awarded a free out but the referee then threw in the ball as Sean Treacys were reduced to fourteen men.

From the resulting throw in Thomas Murphy found himself one on one with Seamus Butler and he gave Rosegreen a huge advantage with their second goal. Sean Treacys to their credit rallied and while they cut the deficit to two points through, Paudie Carey, Sean Kennedy (Free) and John Butler. Indeed they could have been level having also hit two wides in this period. Three minutes into injury time Ger Cummins pointed from a free. Sean Treacys had to go for goal in the remaining time but Rosegreen held out for the win which could be very important for qualification for the knockout stages. 

Rosegreen: Daniel Hayde, Danny Fanning, Joe Breen, Trevor Downey, Nick Ryan, Killian Ryan, Charlie Costello, James Walsh, Harry Tobin (0-1), Colm Hayde (0-2), Thomas Murphy (1-0), Tony Kerwick, Sean Cormack (0-2), Diarmuid Quinlan (1-2), Gerard Cummins (0-7f)

Sean Treacys: Seamus Butler, Paul Ryan, TJ Quigley, Donie Quigley, Christy Ryan, Paul Quigley, Philip Deegan, Pat O’Toole, John Butler (0-3), Sean Kennedy (0-5, 0-4f)), Paudie Carey (0-3), Ger O’Toole (0-1), Joe Carey (1-1), Shane Fahy (0-1), Damien Nolan

Referee: Mark Jordan (Golden/Kilfeacle)