West Minor Hurling Championship 18.04.19

Newcastle West 4-25 Croagh Kilfinny/Rathkeale 1-4

Croagh/Rathkeale were the visitors to a NCW pitch in very good condition on Friday evening last for the 1st round of the West Minor Hurling championship. The same opponents got the better of us in the West Final of 2018 by a single point and we were well prepared for our first competitive hurling match of the year.  How-ever on this occasion our lads were quick out of the traps and we hit our opponents for two early goals which set on our way. Although Croagh/Rathkeale responded with a goal of their own we continued to dominate the first half and led by 3-15 to 1-2 at the break.  We continued to push on after the break and added a further 1-10 to our score.  While the game was over as a contest long before the final-whistle, the lads continued to work and push themselves to the very end.  Overall this was a very good display. Positives was that of our 25 points, 16 were from play from 8 different scorers, the work-rate for the full sixty minutes and disciplined tackling. The quality of our movement and passing was good and we defended solidly when called upon.  As in all performances there are areas needing improvement and these will be worked on in training as we face tougher challenges ahead beginning on Friday next with the short journey to neighbours St. Kieran’s.

Team: Oisin O’Sullivan, Andrew Mortell, Jody Woulfe, Michael Blashkiv, Todd Donovan, Michael Cremin, Leon Barry, Ruadhan O’Connor, Brian Foley, Jack Duggan, Luke Gleeson, Ethan Hurley, Conor Walker, Bryan Nix, Jack O’Connor.   Subs: Morgan Sheehan for Leon Barry (inj), Killian Collins for Ethan Hurley, Oisin Enright for Jack O Connor (inj.) Ciaran Al Quadi for Michael Cremin.

Our next games are on Friday 26th v St. Kieran’s in Coolcappa in round 2 and Friday 3rd May v Kileedy/Tournafulla in Raheenagh in round 3.  Both to be difficult games and will need to be at our best.