Cork Hurling: Bride Rovers laid down another big marker in Senior A grade

A great start to the championship campaign for Bride Rovers, who after beating Blarney earlier this month, delivered an impressive 4-22 in beating Courcey Rovers in the Co Op Superstores SAHC at Teddy McCarthy Park in Riverstown.

The first half on Friday night was evenly matched with Courceys commanding a one-point lead but four second-half goals from the Rathcormac outfit swung the pendulum firmly in their direction.

For Bride Rovers coach Stephen Glasgow, it was an encouraging effort though he was A little unhappy with one slack period in the second half.

“Look we played far better in the second half but after getting our fourth goal and Courcey’s having a man sent off we took our foot off the pedal and allowed them put two goals on us in the closing minutes,” said Glasgow.

He did concede his side then saw out the game welle.

“We shouldn’t have leaked those two goals, but I thought the lads did get it together and finished with some classy points but overall, we got to be happy in the manner we saw off a very good Courcey Rovers side,” added Glasgow.

TUNED IN

Going into the championship Bride Rovers, who are managed by former Cork star Brian Murphy, were drawn in a very tough group but Glasgow believes the attitude has been spot on for a few months in the build-up to these games.

“We set out to have a very good league campaign and the opening championship game against Blarney was always one that was on the radar as we were determined to get out of this group.

“Moving further on we are also focused to get beyond the semi-final stage and that would be a step in the right direction hoping that we can have a crack of winning this championship.” 

There is little doubt this Bride Rovers team look serious championship contenders and Glasgow believes that’s down to the hard work that is presently taking place at the club.

“There has been savage work done at underage level for many years and with many city people moving out to live we have assembled a far bigger community and we are bearing the fruits of that.” 

Bride have a 100% record going into their final game against near neighbours Watergrasshill and Glasgow believes that will be another true test of their character.

“The bottom line is that Watergrasshill were impressive Premier Intermediate champions last season and went on to be crowned All-Ireland champions and that shows the quality in their side." 

Bride Rovers have been the bridesmaids in this championship on a number of occasions and Glasgow believes they have not lost sight of the fact that they need one big push to reach the top tier.

“Nobody remembers the losers in semi-finals and we have experienced the lows but in fairness the lads have never looked back and will keep giving their all until we crack it.

At the moment, we are not looking beyond the Watergrasshill game and then if we are qualified, we will take it from there.

“Winning championships at any level are hard and the lads can do is keep putting it in on the training pitch and hopefully we will be eventually rewarded for our efforts.”