SAHC: Strong start to second half key for Newcestown against Carrigtwohill

Newcestown 2-14

Carrigtwohill 1-14

A burst of 1-4 at the start of the second half was key as Newcestown’s dreams of a championship double remained on course with a Co-op SuperStores Cork SAHC semi-final victory over Carrigwohill on Saturday.

Down by a point at the end of a first half where they had led by five at one stage, Newcestown hit four on the trot before a goal from a penalty opened up a six-point advantage. While Carrigtwohill – playing for the first time in four weeks after earning an automatic semi-final spot – never let Newcestown ease clear, the lead did not change hands in the remaining 20 minutes.

There is a final to look forward to for the winners, but first they must negotiate a Bon Secours Hospital SAFC semi-final against Newmarket as they continue to display their dual powers.

Perhaps benefiting from the sharpness that comes with games, Newcestown enjoyed a great start as Carrigtwohill were still working themselves into the match. After a first-minute free from Kenneally, the West Cork got the boost of a goal soon after.

When Luke Meade sent a free down the right flank for Richard O’Sullivan to race out to reach, there was a lot of work to do but he slipped his security detail and drove towards goal. While he couldn’t connect for a batted finish, the ball slipped past Devlin and it was O’Sullivan was who was able to reach it first and scramble it home.

Another Kenneally free had them 1-2 to 0-0 ahead with Gearóid O’Donovan doing well in defence but, slowly, Carrigtwohill began to come to life, driven by the midfield impetus provided by Justin Oke.

Three points from Seán Walsh and one from corner-back Pat O’Sullivan had them back to within two. Though Murray and Kenneally (free) had points to keep Newcestown in front, a run of four on the trot from Carrigtwohill between the 20th and 27th minutes put them on top.

Oke started the spree with his second, a long-ranger that crept over and James Mulcahy got on the scoresheet before rounding off a lovely move where Seán de Búrca, Oke and Pádraic Hogan combined.

That tied the game at 0-8 to 1-5 and they were in front for the first time as full-back de Búrca, set up by Oke, landed a good effort. Aaron Walsh Barry made it 0-10 to 1-5 but Luke Meade’s smart point for Newcestown left them a point behind at half-time.

Carrigtwohill had two chances to extend their advantage on the resumption but they went astray. A free from Edmund Kenneally levelled and his first point from play and fifth in total had them back in front. With Tadgh Twomey and Niall Kelly getting back on top at midfield and Luke Meade dominant at centre-back, the Carbery side pushed on. Corner-back James Kelleher and Richard O’Sullivan pointed either side of a penalty shout as Colm Dinneen looked to have been fouled and on the 40th minute they were awarded one.

Hard-running midfidler Kelly was the player fouled but it came about thanks to a wonderful flick from Trevor Horgan, who was influential after his half-time introduction. Kennelly stepped up to take it and, though goalkeeper Shane Devlin got a touch, he couldn’t keep the sliothar out.

From trailing by two just before the break, they were six ahead and cruising but Carrig came back well. Seán Walsh’s fourth point – their first from a dead ball – and a score from sub Brendan Twomey reduced the arrears and it was a one-point game as Tomás Hogan’s dropping delivery eluded all in defence, with Walsh nipping in to bury the loose ball.

Unfortunately for them, parity remained elusive as frees from Kenneally and a fine David Buckley point kept Newcestown in front.

On 58 minutes, James Mulcahy sent over a super point from the right for Carrig to leave them two behind again, 2-13 to 1-14, but Kenneally answered with his eighth point. Sub Ciarán O’Donovan might have made it safe with a goal but Devlin denied him, however Newcestown would not be.

Scorers for Newcestown: E Kenneally 1-8 (1-0 penalty, 0-7f), R O’Sullivan 1-1, L Meade, J Kelleher, C Dinneen, N Kelly, D Buckley 0-1 each.

Carrigtwohill: S Walsh 1-5 (0-2f), J Mulcahy 0-3, J Oke 0-2, A Walsh Barry, P O’Sullivan, B Twomey, S de Búrca 0-1 each.

NEWCESTOWN: C Wilson; J Kelleher, M McSweeney, G O’Donovan; C O’Neill, L Meade, E Collins; T Twomey, N Murray; P Collins, E Kenneally, D Buckley; C Dinneen, R O’Sullivan, J Meade.

Subs: S O’Sullivan for O’Neill, T Horgan for P Collins (both half-time), C O’Donovan for R O’Sullivan (59, injured).

CARRIGTWOHILL: S Devlin; A Walsh Barry, S de Búrca, P O’Sullivan; P Hogan, N Coughalan, D Murnane; J Horgan, J Oke; S Walsh, C O’Riordan, T Hogan; L Gosnell, J Mucalhy, C Barry.

Subs: B Twomey for Barry (half-time), L O’Sullivan for Gosnell (50), T Power for Oke (56), D Joseph for Horgan, S de Róiste for T Hogan (both 60), Oke for Power (60, temporary).

Referee: W King (Banteer).