UCC cannot get past Prison Officers

In an good game of hurling played under the lights at Mallow’s excellent GAA grounds, UCC second venture in provincial competitions came to a halt.  UCC could not match their exploits of 2008 when they reached the final of the Munster Junior Championship with a two-point defeat seeing them exit at the semi-final stage.

From the start it was clear that the Limerick Prison Officers would have the advantage in the physical exchanges but UCC turned to their extra mobility to provide them with an edge.  UCC started well but were largely dependent on frees from Eanna Martin for scores.  At the other end the Prison Officers used the wind that was at their back and struck over some fine long range efforts.

The score was tied at four points a piece when the Prison Officers worked a good goal with their corner forward first timing a ball to the net after being put through by a good through ball.  The teams exchanged points from here until half time and at the short whistle the Prison Officers were two points to the good, 1-07 to 0-08.

The second half followed the pattern of the first.  UCC had a lot of possession but could not convert it into scores from play.  When UCC did threaten they were invariably fouled and all of these indiscretions were punished by the unerring Martin.

Throughout the second half the Prison Officers always managed to keep their noses in front although their were five occasions when UCC narrowed the gap to a single point.  Each time the Prison Officers replied and re-established their half time lead of two points.

UCC did have one gloriously goal chance with 10 minutes left but the ground shot was dragged left and wide.  UCC’s lighter forwards were not able to forge a way past the strong Prison Office defence to create another goal chance.  UCC were always in touch but were never able to tie the game.

UCC did have one final chance when a dipping 30 yard shot cleaned the crossbar by less than a foot.  This was to be the final action of the game with the final whistle sounding immediately afterwards seeing Limerick Prison Officers deservedly proceed to the Munster Junior Championship final on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-17.