Seniors beat Castletown Geoghegan in Leinster League

There was much to please in Crokes first half performance in this Leinster Senior Hurling League against Castletown Geoghegan at Silverpark on Wednesday 8th April 2009.  The half time lead was down to a solid defensive unit, hardworking midfielders and an attack that showed considerable potency in registering 2-10 to the opposition’s 1-5.

By the sixth minute Crokes were 1-3 to 0-1 clear, the goal coming from a Peter Clinton run and off load to Fergal Armstrong who found the back of the net.  A monstrous 60 metre sideline by the Westmeathmen’s No 8 found its way to the net in the eight minute and narrowed the gap to two points.  However, the home team soon re-asserted themselves and added eight scores while conceding four in the remainder of the half.  A number of the Crokes scores came from fetches or breaks from puck outs rained down on the Castletown Geoghegan half back line while incisive running also yielded dividends.

The second half started well.  Two points (a Fergal Armstrong free and a neat collect and turn by Peter Clinton) and goal had it 3-12 to 1-8 by the thirty eight minute.  The goal was particularly well worked.  A defensive clearance was won by Fergal Armstrong.  He combined well with the supporting Ronan Walsh.  The latter’s shot was saved to be swept to the net by Kevin O’Loughlin.  The ten point gap looked a solid cushion but from there to the end Castletown Geoghegan were allowed claw their way back into the game and outscored the Kilmacud squad by nine points to three, giving rise to a more anxious final few minutes than might have been anticipated.  Nevertheless the points were secured.  Next up is an away clash with Castlecomer on Easter Monday, throw in 4pm.

Team: R Sweetnam, S McNicholas, F Garvey, N Lillis, R Mangan, A de Paor, A Grogan, S Gillen, H Gannon (0-1), S O’Rorke (0-1), D McGovern (0-1), R Walsh, K O’Loughlin (2-2), F Armstrong (1-9, f-8), P Clinton (0-1).  Subs: A Cleary for R Walsh (blood 7 mins), A Cleary for R Mangan (40 mins), G McMorrow for N Lillis (40 mins), N Mulligan, C Clinton, E de Paor, K Dalton, B O’Leidhin and D Moran.