Peter Barrett goals secure semi-final spot for Midleton minor hurlers against Ballincollig

Midleton 2-14 Ballincollig 0-9

MIDLETON are through to the Rebel Óg Premier 1 MHC semi-final after their win over Ballincollig at the Mardyke.

The winners reversed their result in the group stages as they came out on top as they were the better side from start to finish.

The East Cork side were far the better side on the night and managed to keep their opponents scoreless from play for the entire game, a stat that Ballincollig won’t be happy with.

James McSweeney opened the scoring for Midleton from a free with Barrett adding a second before Eoin Dwyer got Ballincollig off the mark.

With seven minutes gone, Barrett got his first goal of the half as he pulled on the ball after his first effort was saved.

Two frees from Theo Morgan made it a two point game before McSweeney raised another white flag for the Magpies, to make it 1-3 to 0-3.

Frees from Dwyer and Morgan made it a one point game before two from Cian Stack kept Midleton in control.

McSweeney and Darragh Egan made it 1-7 to 0-5 before Morgan pointed another free for Ballincollig, with all their first-half scores coming from placed balls.

Stack was on target again and with the last shot of the half Barrett got his second goal, to make it 2-8 to 0-6 in favour of the Magpies at the break.

Two points from McSweeney increased Midleton’s lead at the start of the second half, with Darragh Egan also raising a white flag, to make it 2-11 to 0-6.

Two frees from Morgan reduced the deficit with Daniel Garde replying at the other end.

Morgan pointed another free, but late points from Paddy Walsh and Garde ensured Midleton ran out worthy winners.

They will now play Glen Rovers in the semi-final which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27. Sarsfields and Douglas will meet in the other semi-final on October 2.

Scorers for Midleton: P Barrett 2-1, J McSweeney 0-5 (0-4 f), C Stack 0-3, D Egan, D Garde 0-2 each, P Walsh 0-1.

Ballincollig: T Morgan 0-7 (0-6 f, 0-1 65), E Dwyer 0-2 f,

MIDLETON: C Finn; T Dunlea, F Kelly, A O’Connor; M McSweeney, C Cronin, E Fraser; J Hogan, L Brodkorb; C Morley, J McSweeney, C Stack; D Egan, D Garde, P Barrett.

Subs: P Walsh for J McSweeney (48), S McSharry for D Egan (50), C O’Brien for E Fraser, O Rabbitte for C Morley, O Dennigan for M McSweeney (all 60).

BALLINCOLLIG: D O’Connell; C Summers, D Lee, S Delaney; E Dwyer, B O’Connell, K O’Leary; D O’Leary, C O’Connor; S Rue O’Sullivan, G Howard, J Murray; C Ahern, T Morgan, D Miskella.

Subs: T Murphy for S Rue O’Sullivan (h-t), D Leahy for J Murray, P McCarthy for G Howard (both 52), C Power for E Dwyer, J Murphy for D Lee (both 60).

Referee: Brian Sweeney, Erin’s Own.