Arravale Rovers best understrength Golden Kilfeacle in all-West league decider

Arravale Rovers defeated Golden Kilfeacle in Bansha on Sunday

FBD Insurance County Hurling League - Division 3 Final

Arravale Rovers 0-25

Golden Kilfeacle 1-18

Arravale Rovers were crowned FBD Insurance Division 3 County Hurling League champions after a superb second-half performance saw them overturn a three-point interval deficit and defeat Golden/Kilfeacle by four points in the final at Canon Hayes Park, Bansha.

Played on the superb surface in Bansha on an evening when the rain never relented, this was a contest that demanded work-rate and composure. Golden Kilfeacle looked in a strong position at half-time, leading 0-13 to 0-10, but Arravale Rovers produced a far sharper and more forceful second half, hitting 0-15 after the break to take control of the game and close it out impressively.

The final scoreline reflected a game that swung firmly on momentum. Golden Kilfeacle were the better side for long spells of the first half, with Ben Currivan outstanding from placed balls and general play, while Arravale kept themselves in touch through the scoring of Johnny Ryan, Ciarán Kelly and Orrin Jones.

Golden Kilfeacle made the brighter start. Currivan opened their account inside the first two minutes and added further points from play and frees as the half developed.

Jack Bergin also made an early impact, landing a point from a sideline before adding another from play, while Brendan Moloney and Tom Byrnes also found the range.

By the interval, Golden Kilfeacle had built a 0-13 to 0-10 lead, with Currivan central to everything good in their attacking play.

Arravale, though, were never out of touch. Ciarán Kelly struck two early points, Johnny Ryan added scores from play, Eoin Doocey chipped in, and Orrin Jones began to grow into the game from frees. The three-point gap at the break gave Golden Kilfeacle something to defend, but it also left Arravale within striking distance.

The second half changed the shape of the game completely. Arravale Rovers returned with far greater urgency and immediately began to eat into the deficit. Orrin Jones pointed from play almost straight after the restart, and from there his influence became decisive.

He was excellent on the frees, but just as importantly, he was also prominent from general play, giving Arravale both accuracy and leadership when the game was there to be won. Johnny Ryan’s contribution was another huge factor.

The county player finished with 0-5 from play, and those scores were vital because they came from open hurling rather than frees. In a final played in poor weather, scores from play were at a premium, and Ryan’s ability to find space, take responsibility and keep the scoreboard moving gave Arravale a major platform.

Arravale’s purple patch early in the second half was telling. Cormac Maher hit two points from play, Johnny Ryan added two more, and Jones struck from both play and placed balls. Jaye Cilvinas also began to impose himself strongly, moving between the lines and showing real potential with a powerful display.

His two second-half points were important, but his overall influence went beyond the scoreboard. He gave Arravale drive, carried the ball well and helped them turn defence into attack in difficult conditions.

Golden Kilfeacle did respond. Aaron Colohan and Shane O’Connell added second-half points, while Currivan continued to punish Arravale indiscipline from frees.

However, Arravale had wrested control of the contest by then and were playing with greater fluency. The longer the half went on, the more Arravale looked like the side with the stronger running power.

A major moment arrived late on when Golden Kilfeacle were reduced to fourteen men, with Shane Stapleton shown a straight red card.

Shortly afterwards, Golden Kilfeacle did find the net through Tom Byrnes, whose goal from play came in the 31st minute of the second half.

That score gave them a late lifeline, but Arravale had already built enough of a cushion and had the composure to see the job through.

Orrin Jones finished as Arravale’s leading scorer with 0-11, including seven placed balls. Johnny Ryan followed with 0-5 from play, Ciarán Kelly hit 0-3, while Cormac Maher and Jaye Cilvinas contributed 0-2 each. Eoin Doocey also registered a point.

For Golden Kilfeacle, Ben Currivan was outstanding, finishing with 0-11, seven of those coming from placed balls. Tom Byrnes finished with 1-2, while Jack Bergin added 0-2. Brendan Moloney, Aaron Colohan and Shane O’Connell each scored 0-1.

The final whistle confirmed a deserved 0-25 to 1-18 victory for Arravale Rovers. Golden Kilfeacle will feel they had put themselves in a strong position at half-time, but Arravale’s response after the restart was the winning of the game.

Their second half hurling was sharper, braver and more clinical. Their 0-15 second-half return was the difference, and it secured them the FBD Insurance Division 3 County Hurling League title in impressive fashion.

Scorers: Arravale Rovers: Orrin Jones 0-11, Johnny Ryan 0-5, Ciarán Kelly 0-3, Cormac Maher 0-2, Jaye Cilvinas 0-2, Eoin Doocey 0-1.

Golden Kilfeacle: Ben Currivan 0-11, Tom Byrnes 1-2, Jack Bergin 0-2, Brendan Moloney 0-1, Aaron Colohan 0-1, Shane O'Connell 0-1.

Arravale Rovers: Paddy O'Donnell; Peter Ryan, David Ryan, Brendan Delaney; John Paul Lohan, Matthew Moroney, Eoin Doocey; Jaye Cilvinas, Johnny Ryan; Alex Webster, Niall Fitzgerald, Donough Leahy; Ciarán Kelly, Orrin Jones, Cormac Maher.

Subs used: Daniel Ryan for Cormac Maher; Shane Quigley for Niall Fitzgerald.

Golden Kilfeacle: Jack Currivan; Brian Marnane, Aidan O'Connell, Michael Coman; Conor King, Shane O'Connell, Cian O'Connell; Aaron Colohan, Niall Heffernan; Brendan Moloney, Ben Currivan, Eanna Ormond; Tom Byrnes, Andy Byrnes, Jack Bergin.

Subs used: Shane Stapleton for Brendan Moloney; Lee Hayes for Aaron Colohan; Ning Brennan for Ben Currivan.

Referee: Gerry Treacy (Borris-Ileigh)