NON EXAM LEAGUE FINAL

COACHFORD, 21st JUNE 2012

MALLOW  v  BLACKROCK

Mallow’s Minor Hurlers overcame Blackrock after extra time to claim a tremendous victory in the County Premier 1 Non Exam League Final in Coachford last Thursday evening.

Both sides produced another display of tremendous hurling in a keenly fought contest.  Mallow put over six points from play in the first half with scores from Pa Herlihy, Aaron Sheehan, Billy Hayes and Sean Hayes. However, it was Blackrock who led at half time after two goals gave them a 2-3 to 0-6 advantage.

Mallow were invigorated after half time and took control of the game early in the second half. Six points from full forward Sean Hayes (four from frees) and one from Aaron Sheehan saw Mallow take the lead. Points were exchanged by both sides in a thrilling contest which entertained the crowd in attendance. Scott Walmsley and Dan Sheehan added points to keep Mallow in command. However, the sending off of Mallow’s Sean Hayes provided a much needed boost for Blackrock and they rallied with a goal and a point to regain the advantage by a single point. A late point by Pa Herlihy from a free sent the league final into extra time on a score of Mallow 1-15 Blackrock 3-9.

Mallow’s fitness and determination saw them assume control of the game in extra time.  Three points from Aaron Sheehan (two from frees) and one each from Dan Sheehan and Scott Walmsley could only be met by a single point in reply from Blackrock. Mallow ran out deserving winners with a final score of Mallow 1-20 Blackrock 3-10. The sides will renew their rivalry when they meet again in the County Premier Hurling Championship on 8th July.

Mallow: P. Buckley, A. Luttrell, P. Healy, J. O’Hanlon, D. Sheehan, A. Sheehan, J. Cosgrave, P. Herlihy, J. Murphy, S. Walmsley, R. Harkin, D. Sheehan, B. Hayes, S. Hayes, M. O’Rourke. Subs: E. Healy for B. Hayes, P. O’Riordan for M. O’Rourke, R. Mills for J. Cosgrave, F. Moynihan for Sean Hayes (ET), J. Downes, H. Cosgrove.