Moycarkey-Borris serve notice with two-point win over Clonoulty-Rossmore
Mid team were full value for the win
Moycarkey-Borris 3-17 Clonoulty-Rossmore 2-18
Moycarkey-Borris could be emerging as dark horses in the FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship. At Boherlahan on Saturday in round two of group two, they claimed the scalp of a second divisional champion, with a two-points win over West title holders Clonoulty-Rossmore after an entertaining game.
Those who may have thought Moycarkey-Borris’ initial win over county and Mid champions, Loughmore-Castleiney was a once-off will have to think again. They were full value for this success after a lively battle with Clonoulty-Rossmore and go into their final game in the round robin series against Borris-Ileigh in rude health and with one leg in the knockout stages of the championship.
On a rock-hard surface in sultry conditions, Moycarkey-Borris looked in trouble as Clonoulty-Rossmore reeled off four points without reply in a blistering opening six minutes but once Moycarkey got into stride they looked good, and with Kieran Morris leading the way they reeled in their opponents to go 0-7 to 0-5 ahead at the end of the first quarter.
Jack Ryan, who was showing well for the West boys, netted for them after 16 minutes, a ball breaking kindly for him, but by twenty minutes Moycarkey were again back on terms, 0-10 to 1-7, wing back Stephen Walsh popping up with two points. David Costigan then netted for the Mid team who went on to lead 1-12 to 1-8 at half-time, Rhys Shelley in the Moycarkey goal denying Stephen Ferncombe a likely goal in injury time.
A four-points lead was well within Clonoulty’s reach and inside eight minutes they had drawn level, four on the trot from Cathal Bourke, Stephen Ferncombe, Jack Ryan and Michael Ryan bringing them level, 1-13 each after eight minutes. Moycarkey responded with conviction, David Costigan’s second goal of the game after 42 minutes putting them 2-14 to 1-14 ahead.
Their joy was short-lived. Two minutes later Stephen Ferncombe netted for Clonoulty from a Jamie Davern delivery to leave the West champions just a point behind, 2-14 to 2-15. It was all to play for, and Moycarkey were equal to the challenge. Jack Hayes, with almost his first touch, goaled after 52 minutes to send them four points clear but Clonoulty were not done by any means. Back they came with points from Stephen Ferncombe, Cathal Bourke, Michael Ryan and Jack Ryan to draw level, 3-15 to 2-18 on the hour mark.
In a hectic finish Moycarkey-Borris never faltered. Kieran Morris pointed a fee after 61 minutes and Killian Cantwell repeated the performance a minute later. Clonoulty did not have time for a response and Moycarkey claimed their second brace of points to top group two with a game to go.
This was another gutsy display by Moycarkey-Borris, who have Borris-Ileigh next on their agenda. Manager Denis Kelly has his charges in competitive mood and they will give anybody a run for their money on this form. The possibility of silverware cannot be ruled out either. A penalty shootout defeat against JK Brackens cost them a shot at the Mid title but they are gathering momentum and building up confidence.
David Costigan again came up trumps with two goals. Stephen Walsh is having a great campaign at wing back, scoring three points in this game. Ciaran Morris continues to deliver the goods in attack. Goalkeeper Rhys Shelley is an inspiring figure behind the defence, his huge deliveries causing lots of problems for opposing defences. Kieran Cummins, Tom Ryan and Eoghan Hayes also contributed greatly to the team performance.
Clonoulty-Rossmore have the fall-back position of a preliminary county quarter-final at worst on the basis of their West win, so they won't panic as they face into a confrontation with county and Mid champions Loughmore-Castleiney in their final game in the round robin series. They probably deserved a share of the spoils here and will regret some wasted chances. Cathal Bourke was back to his best in attack where Jack Ryan also had a big game. Robert Doyle, Ronan Heffernan, Danny Slattery, Michael Ryan and Stephen Ferncombe also put in a big shift.
Moycarkey scorers: D Costigan (2-0), K Morris (0-5,2fs), K Cantwell (0-4,3fs),S Walsh (0-3), J Hayes (1-0), R Shelley (f), N Heffernan, T Hayes, M Hackett, J Maher (0-1 each).
Clonoulty scorers: S Ferncombe (1-5,5fs), J Ryan (1-3), C Bourke (0-5), M Ryan (0-2), J Maher, J Davern, S Quinn (0-1 each).
Moycarkey-Borris: Rhys Shelley; Kevin Hayes, Tom Hayes, Tom Ryan; Stephen Walsh, Eoin Hayes, Killian Cantwell; Kieran Cummins, Niall Heffernan; David Costigan, Joe Egan, Rory Darmody; Bill Flanagan, Joe Maher, Kieran Morris.
Subs: Max Hackett for Flanagan (21 mins), Kevin O’Regan for Darmody (48 mins), Jack Hayes for J Maher (51 mins).
Clonoulty-Rossmore: Jason O’Dwyer; Danny Slattery, Robert Doyle, Jimmy Ryan (C); John O’ Keeffe, Ronan Heffernan, Jamie Davern; Nathan Slattery, Donncha Quirke; Jimmy Maher, Cathal Bourke, Michael Ryan (W); Stephen Ferncombe, Jack Ryan, Stephen Quinn.
Subs: Philip Kelleher for N Slattery (47 mins), Thomas Butler for Quirke (50 mins), Sean O’ Connor for Maher (56 mins).
Referee: Joe Leahy, Moyne-Templetuohy.