UCC Qualify for Junior A Hurling Final

In a high scoring game UCC defeated Bank of New York 4-15 to 3-13 to qualify for the final of the Junior A Hurling Championship where they will meet Cork Garda. UCC played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half but it was the Bank of New York who started best and hit the first scores of the game. UCC responded with a close range free before midfielder Eanna Martin hit an 80 yard free over the bar. This was to be the first of seven well struck frees he scored from 65 metres out and he also added some excellent long range points from play.

After 15 minutes UCC were leading by four points to three when they were awarded a 20m free. The initial goal-bound effort was deflected out for a 65 which the unerring Martin converted. Shortly afterwards Thomas Mullane got on the ball about 40 metres from the Bank of New York goal and after a strong run through the middle he finished to the net to push UCC into the lead.

Both teams exchanged points from there until the half time whistle and UCC led at the break 1-08 to 0-07, with all of their remaining scores coming from Eanna Martin as they struggled to make an impact up front. A four point lead was the least UCC needed as they turned to face the strong wind.

However UCC made a great start to the second half and had doubled their lead after a few minutes. A hard earned goal by full forward Ger McGlacken was quickly followed by a point by Eanna Martin to give an eight point lead which was more in line with what was needed against the stiff breeze.

After a relatively quiet first half UCC's defence saw much more action as UCC failed to keep the ball for long in their attacking half of the field. In this regard corner backs Denis Murphy and Denis Twomey, flanking forceful full back Rory Rice were particularly impressive.

Eventually the pressure told and the Bank of New York got in for two quick goals the second coming from a 20m free. With some impressive long range points of their own the Bank of New York had wiped out UCC's eight point advantage to draw level with 10 minutes to go. The score at this stage was 2-12 apiece with UCC again dependent on Eanna Martin for most of their scores.

With the wind at their backs it looked as if the Bank of New York would push on for victory. However the UCC forwards finally found their range and a great goal by Ronan Spillane was quickly followed by two quick-fire points from substitute James Ryan. The Bank of New York hit back with a third goal of their own to reduce the margin to two points with only a few minutes remaining. However the best they could manage in the closing minutes was a point which was quickly cancelled at the other end. As the Bank of New York pressed forward to find the winning goal to overturn the two point deficit the last play of the game saw the impressive Eanna Martin finish unmarked to the net to seal a five point win.

Team: Seamus Cronin, Denis Murphy, Rory Rice, Denis Twomey, John Eakins, Timmy Geaney, Robert Phelan, Robert Dunphy, Eanna Martin (1-10,7f), Ronan Spillane (1-01), Thomas Mullane (1-00), Traolach Martin, Mossey Crowe, Gerard McGlacken (1-01), Seamus Coffey (0-01,1f). Subs: Frank Hickey, James Ryan (0-02).