Thriller in Bansha sees Kickhams strike late to seal West title at the expense of Golden
Knockavilla Kickhams defeated Golden Kilfeacle in Bansha
West Tipperary U17B Hurling Championship Final
Knockavilla Kickhams 4-13
Golden Kilfeacle 3-14
Golden and Knockavilla Kickhams produced a highly entertaining West U17B Hurling Championship final that was played in a fine sporting spirit last Sunday evening, with the Kickhams winning out in what was a seven-goal thriller in Bansha.
Kickhams started strongly, making the most of a powerful wind in the first half. With Cathal Burke and Sean Cleary leading the charge, they built up a lead that left Golden with work to do at the break.
Golden battled back superbly in the second half. Charlie Hall and James Finn drove them forward, while Evan Ryan and Jamie Lourdes kept the scoreboard ticking. They created several late chances, but were unable to find the equaliser in injury time.
Kickhams made timely substitutions, introducing Donogh Kelly, James Daly, and Brent Astwood, which helped them hold out to secure the title. Referee Anthony Oaths of Solohead kept the game flowing in what was a fair and sporting final.
Knockavilla Kickhams: Cian Buckley; Aaron Heaney, Cathal Burke, Matthew O’Neill; Shane Ryan, Sean Cleary (0-2), Donagh Guilfoyle; Sam Daly, Evan Burke (0-1); Senan Mackey (2-1), Evan Slattery (0-7, 0-6f, 0-1 65), Jake Cotter (1-0); Kyle Donoghue (1-2), Cathal Heaney, Stephen Gleeson.
Subs used: Darragh Kelly for O’Neill; James Daly for Cotter; Brent Astwood for S Daly;
Golden Kilfeacle: Cathal Noonan; Rian Moloney, Jack Donnelly, Nick O’Toole; Cillian Byrne, Conor Marnane, Ivor Ryan; Charlie Hall (1-11, 1-7f), James Finn (1-3); Eoin Ryan (P), Sean White, Jamie Hally; Killian Ryan (P) (1-0), Evan Ryan, Jamie Landers.
No subs used.
Referee: Anthony Owens (Solohead)