There was mixed luck for our U21 hurlers last weekend with both teams in Championship action. On Saturday afternoon our U21A team travelled to Cratloe for Round 2 of the Championship - Despite leading by 2 points at the short whistle we lost by 4 points for a finish - However our greater score difference meant we finished second in the group and now face Eire Og in the semi final while Cratloe will play Inagh/Kilnamona. Some of the highlights of this game included the performance of net minder Mark Sheedy as well as the contribution of 3 of our winning Minor team form earlier this year who contributed with 5 points from play.
On Sunday our second U21 team opened their campaign in the U21D hurling Championship. This was a youthful Bridge outfit and they hurled admirably as they outscored Clarecastle who were at home on a score of 3-020 to 1-17. The Bridge will now play Clooney/Quin on Saturday 15th November in Sixmilebridge at 12 Noon.
U~21A Hurling Report Cratloe 2-14 Sixmilebridge 0-16 Venue: Ó Eithír Park, Cratloe Source: Clare Echo
Although they ended up losing to their neighbours, scoring the final four points in the contest proved crucial for Sixmilebridge as it steered them past St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield on score difference and into the semi-finals as the runners up in the group.
A strong third quarter in which they outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-1 proved crucial for Cratloe.
After an evenly contested first half visitors Sixmilebridge took a two point advantage to the dressing room, 0-10 to 1-5.
Cratloe would not have been flattered to hold the lead at this stage but they were guilty of a lot missed chances both from play and frees.
They changed free takers three times with Marc O’Brien doing best and he finished the tie with 1-6, 0-4 from frees and 0-1 from a ‘65.
Sam Sheedy had the opening score for the winners but the visitors then hit five in a row by the tenth minute.
In a five minute spell the home side scored 1-3 without reply, the goal coming from Marc O’Brien after Tadhg Lohan had provided the pass. The ‘Bridge who relied heavily on Seamus O’Connell for scores, then replied with five unanswered points before Marc O’Brien had the final score of the half
The home side showed the greater urgency on the resumption and after Evan Crowe had pointed twice to level the tie, O’Brien found the net and Sam Sheehy followed with a point to put them four clear.
Seamus O’Connell followed with a point but Cratloe were now in control and they responded with five unanswered scores to seal their passage to the semi-finals.
The ‘Bridge battled to the finish, landing the last four points to ensure they are still in the race for the title.
Jamie Moylan again led the charge for Cratloe, dominating in the heart of the defence. Midfielders Sam Sheehy and Evan Crowe, Rian McNamara at corner back and Marc O’Brien up front also did well.
Sixmilebridge goalkeeper Mark Sheedy was outstanding and he pulled off four outstanding saves over the course of the hour. Seamus O’Connell, Callum Phelan and Dara Fitzgerald worked hard throughout.
Subs; Matt Danagher for Jake Moylan; Harry Strogen for D. Mundy; Sam Mulhollland for C. O’Gorman; Jack McMahon for K. O’Donoghue; Cathal O’Doherty for E. Collins
Sixmilebridge: Mark Sheedy; Mark Mullins, Oisin Breen, Gary O’Callaghan; Dara Fitzgerald, Matthew O’Halloran, John Deasy; Callum Phelan (0-2), Fiachra Ó Braoin; Conor Gilligan (0-1), Seamus O’Connell (0-9), Dylan Keogh; Zak Phelan (0-1), Conor Murphy, Fionn Hayes;
Subs: Rory Chaplin (0-2) for C.Murphy; Jack O’Halloran (0-1) for G. O’Callaghan; Cillian Murphy for D. Keogh; Neil Forde for C. Gilligan
