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Fri 7th Oct 2011
CASEMENT CUP GROUP B
St Patrick’s High School, Keady: 2-9 Rathmore Grammar, Belfast: 3-5
October 5th Venue: Lurgan
Despite the relatively low score line, St Pats, Keady and Rathmore Belfast contested a tight, competitive and entertaining game of hurling to decide who would emerge as group winners in this Casement Cup fixture played in the very finely appointed St Pauls club, Lurgan. With very changeable, at times squally conditions, both teams produced athletic, skilful and gritty performances. Rathmore were first off the mark with a well taken point. The St Pats men eventually levelled with a David McCreesh free. However for the next 10 minutes it was all Rathmore as their midfield and half forward line gained much possession and the inside forwards (full forward) were out in front and looking dangerous. From this passage of play they manufactured 2 goals and a point. St Pats eventually responded with a Shea Gaffney free. From this the sliothar was contested more keenly in midfield and a pass from Gaffney found Michael McCullough in space on the left wing. Up until now the Rathmore backs had been marking well but a sizable gap was afforded the wing half forward and after bearing down on goal McCullough took his chance with a fine shot to the far corner. 2 more points were traded by each side to leave the score line at half time 2-4 to 1-4 in favour of the Belfast school.
The second half saw a more tit for tat battle ensue with St Pats starting to eat into the lead with points from Ruiri Fullerton and Shea Gaffney (2). The St Pats marking was much improved particularly in the full back line and half backs Daniel Mone and Stephen Renaghan starting to boss their areas. However Rathmore scored another goal after a scramble with a low shot to the corner. This effort was immediately retured with another goal for Michael McCullough to bring his personal tally to 2 green flags. The game was in the melting pot with less than ten minutes on the clock.
Rathmore exerted more and more pressure on both the St Pats defensive lines. This was absorbed with some fine catching from Shea Gaffney and Stephen Renaghan. In addition to this, hard running from substitute Sean Colton at right half forward allowed St Pats to produce 2 points, 1 frees (Gaffney) and a close range effort from Colton. This saw the Keady school claim the narrowest of wins by 1 point. They now progress to the quarter final next week with the opposition yet to be confirmed.
Well done to Rathmore on a fine game. Submitted by: N Condon
Submitted by: Sean O'Connor
