Tadhg Twomey and David Buckley fire Newcestown to first senior victory over Castlehaven
Newcestown's David Buckley takes on Castlehaven's Thomas O'Mahony during the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC at Rossmore. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
A first senior victory over Castlehaven was just reward for Newcestown in Group 1 of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Premier SFC at Rossmore last Sunday.
Failure to emerge from this year’s Premier SHC group stage means Newcestown’s dual commitments have been replaced by a sole focus on the bigger ball.
Up against the three-in-row chasing Castlehaven, Newcestown demonstrated admirable grit and no little skill in seeing off their illustrious opponents.
Two points down with 10 minutes to go, most neutrals would have favoured an off-colour Haven. Instead, Tadhg Twomey (2) and David Buckley scores won it for an ecstatic Newcestown. It was no more than they deserved.
But what of Castlehaven?
The reigning champions were never allowed settle into their usual rhythm but fought right up until the end. A high-profile quarter-final with St Finbarr’s beckons and where a much-improved performance is needed.
Newcestown must also prepare for a last-eight encounter against Carrigaline and, following Sunday’s display, can look forward to that clash with renewed confidence.
Ahead of throw-in, even though both clubs were through to the knockout stage, a typically robust West Cork derby ensued.
The Haven’s superior scoring difference, compared to other PSFC contenders, was on manager Seanie Cahalane’s mind as his team set about cementing an automatic semi-final spot.
The weather was also a big factor. A gale wind, blowing from one end of the pitch to the other, favoured the Haven in the opening half.
Struggling to adjust to the elements, each side kicked three wides, including a Damien Cahalane goal chance, inside the first 10 minutes.
Newcestown led 0-2 to 0-1 during that early time period thanks to David Buckley and Tadhg Twomey points.
Conor Cahalane had broken the deadlock after the 3 minutes and his team levelled matters for a second time when Cork senior Rory Maguire split the posts.
Buckley and Michael Hurley exchanged scores to make it 0-3 apiece on the quarter hour.
An unrelenting gale saw the Haven kick three consecutive times wides as an attritional first half drew to a close.
Michael Hurley’s long-range point restored the Castletownshend and Union Hall club’s advantage before their opponents hit back.
Staying patient in possession, Daire McAree and Tadhg Twomey edged their team back in front.
Hurley answered again but an injury-time Luke Meade point, when a goal was on, sent Newcestown in deservedly 0-6 to 0-5 ahead.
The latter had the benefit of the wind on the resumption but it was Jack Cahalane who brought the Haven level.
David Buckley fired over ahead of a Seamus O’Sullivan goal that was ruled out for a square infringement. Cahalane struck again to make it 0-7 each after 47 minutes.
The final quarter was error-strewn but Robbie Minihane and Brian Hurley scores edged the Haven a point ahead after Tadhg Twomey found his range.
The first free of the game was converted by Michael Hurley after 47 minutes to make it 0-10 to 0-8.
That was Newcestown’s cue to stage a dramatic comeback with Twomey (two) and Buckley scoring to complete a historic win.
D Buckley (0-2 f), T Twomey 0-5 each, D McAree, L Meade 0-1 each.
M Hurley 0-4 (0-1 f), J Cahalane 0-2, C Cahalane, R Maguire, R Minihane, B Hurley 0-1 each.
E McSweeney; J Kelleher, C O’Donovan, P Kelly; S O’Sullivan, M McSweeney, C Dineen; S O’Donovan, E Collins; L Meade (captain), T Twomey, D Buckley; D McAree, R O’Sullivan, J Meade.
C Keane for S O’Sullivan (43), C O’Sullivan for J Meade (56).
Darragh Cahalane; L McCarthy, Damien Cahalane, S Walsh; J O’Driscoll, R Minihane, M Collins (captain); A Whelton, C Cahalane; R Maguire, J Cahalane, T O’Mahony; C Maguire, M Hurley, B Hurley.
M Maguire for A Whelton (ht), S Brown for R Minihane (42, blood), R Minihane for S Brown (43).
James Regan (Lough Rovers).
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