Junior B’s Reach C’Ship Semi – Final

 

Silverpark was the venue for our Junior B hurlers last round robin hurling match on Sunday last. A defeat by a single point and results elsewhere ensured the Crokes lads a semi final spot as a result of topping the table on points difference ( + 14 ) having won their last 4 C’Ship outings.

 

Crokes fielded without 6 regular starters ( Holidays and Injuries ) and from the start Civil Service raced into an early 5 point lead, however Crokes responded with 2 points before a goal and a further 2 points left us down 8 points at half time on a scoreline of 1.07 to 0.02. Crokes were sluggish and loose in the first half and were happy to see the half time whistle.

 

The 2nd half started more positively and developed into an exciting and quality match as Crokes clawed their way back to wipe out the deficit and take command, scoring 3.07 with out reply to go into a 5 point lead with 8 minutes remaining. On the mark for Crokes and making significant contributions were Trealough O’Sullivan 0.01 – P Rath 0.01 – Karl Russell 1.01 – Jonathan Hayes 2.07 ( 4 Frees). The later 3 players combining well for 3 well executed Goals.

 

This was a tremendous performance and every player gave their all including David Staunton, Aiden Byrne and Paul Ryan in the full back line, Damien McAuliffe and Colm Crowley in the half back line, Walsh and Sheehan in midfield and the hard working john Ross in the half forward line. Crokes conceded some frees and a soft goal all in the last 5/6 minutes – something to work on for the future.

 

Great credit on reaching the Semi Final and on this showing and the strength on the bench – the Crokes lads will be hard stopped in their quest for outright Glory.

 

Team – S Garvey / P Ryan / A Byrne / D Staunton / D Munnally / C Cowley / D McAuliffe / J Walsh / B Sheehan / T O’Sullivan / J Hunt / K Russell / P Rath /            J Hayes… Subs. P Byrne / F Hanley / N Hall ( 10 mins for D Munnally )

Missing – A Crean (Hols) D Burke ( Inj ) P Igoe ( Hols ) O Turley ( Hols ) J Byrne     ( Inj ) D McVeigh ( Sick)