News

Leinster Junior Club C'ship: Clonmore 2-4 Robertstown 1-6

November 8, 2018

The Intermediates found it hard going against a big physical team from Kildare in the driving wind and rain at Dr Cullen Park today. Clonmore could have won more comfortably but two clear goal chances went abegging in the first half and a third in the second half. Numerous balls were dropped into the goalkeeper’s hands and a close-in free hit the post near the end. But in fairness to the players, the conditions underfoot were atrocious, the ball was like a bar of soap and there was a strong cross-field wind. The goal chances were all stopped by good saves by the keeper or a defender clearing off the line so no blame can attach to the players who did their best in spite of the difficut conditions.
 
Clonmore got off to a great start when a long range free from Gavin Byrne deceived the keeper and ended up in the net in the first minute. Unfortunately the same happened at the other end just on half-time – the wind no doubt a major factor in both goals. Clonmore were 2-2 to 0-2 when Robertstown’s goal went in. They took heart from that piece of luck and kicked two great long-range points to go in just one point behind at half-time 2-2 to 1-4.
 
The second half was a dour struggle with scores very hard to come by. Two Gavin Byrne frees proved to be enough to win the game on a scoreline of 2-4 to 1-6 and the whole team and subs should be congratulated on a spirited performance in the circumstances. We now play the Offaly champions in DCP in two weeks time but first must face St Andrews in the replay of the Division 2 Final in DCP next Saturday afternoon, probably without Owen Coleman who pulled up with a hamstring strain and Collie McGrath who was sent off late in the game. Mick Murray came on as a sub for Owen but then found himself taking over in goal.
 
Team: Colin McGrath, Paul Byrne, Wesley Byrne, Shane Murphy, Pauric Lawlor, David Mulvany (1-0), Enda McGrath, Ronan Doyle, Gavin Byrne (1-2, fs), Niall Humphries, Con Murphy, Jamie Walsh, PJ Byrne, Owen Coleman (0-1), Shane McGrath. Subs: John McGrath for PJ, James Doyle for Jamie, Mick Murray for Owen (inj), Willie Byrne for Wesley.
 
PHOTO: Niall Humphries who had a fine game against Robertstown.