Brian Verling hits a hat-trick as Cloughduv beat Argideen Rangers to reach PJHC semis

Cloughduv 3-18 Argideen Rangers 1-14

A magnificent hat-trick from Brian Verling helped Cloughduv see off Argideen Rangers in the Co Op Superstores Premier Junior A HC at Ballygarvan on Sunday.

In a game dominated by the winners for long periods Argideen Rangers did battle to the wire but in truth they failed to match the accuracy and artistry of their opponents.

On a beautiful day for hurling, Cloughduv, with the aid of a stiff wind, looked sharper in the opening exchanges with Mark Verling leading the charge with three consecutive points.

After going 10 minutes without a score Argideen Rangers eventually got up and running courtesy of a Sean Walsh white flag.

There is little doubt Cloughduv looked dominant in the opening quarter and despite John Michael O’Callaghan nailing their second point they looked a side under pressure.

After looking second best, the West Cork side caught their opponents napping in the 18th minute when Dara Walsh got in behind the Cloughduv defence to drill a low shot to the corner of the net.

Game on as suddenly the deficit was reduced to two points but in the style of any good side, Cloughduv responded.

On the next possession, a fabulous move saw a family finish with Brian Verling taking a pass from brother Mark to find the back of the net with sheer power.

The Mid Cork side added three more points before the short whistle to go in at the break with a nine-point lead: 1-12 to 1-3.

On the restart, Cloughduv took only five minutes to register their second goal as Brian Verling ran off the shoulder of Aidan Murphy to place a terrific shot to the corner of the net.

Argideen looked shell-shocked but they responded with consecutive points before Verling completed his hat trick in the 48th minute with a stunning strike.

Both teams made various substitutions and Argideen’s Finbarr Butler missed a golden goal opportunity as his shot went inches wide of the left post.

But Cloughduv stayed in control as their better-balanced outfit had too much firepower for Argideen Rangers.

Next on the menu for the winners is a mouth-watering semi-final against Glen Rovers that is sure to be a cracking game and a far tougher test for them.

Scorers for Cloughduv: B Verling 3-2, M Verling 0-7 (0-5 f), S O’Leary 0-3, M Walsh 0-2, A Elliot, A O’Leary, A Twomey, M O’Leary (0-1 each).

Cloughduv: D Walsh 1-3, C Twomey 0-5 (0-3 f), J M O’Callaghan 0-4 (0-3f), M Lawton, J Crowley (0-1 each).

CLOUGHDUV: S O’Donoghue; J Moynihan, P O’Driscoll, L Kelleher; O O’Driscoll, E Clifford, M O’Leary; M Walsh, A Elliot; B Verling, A Murphy, M Verling; S O’Leary, A Twomey, A O’Leary.

Subs: E McNabola for A Twomey (38), C O’Leary for A Elliot (47), O McDonald for A O’Leary (47), D Ring for M Verling (52), C Canty for M O’Leary (52).

ARGIDEEN RANGERS: J Sheehan; D O’Donovan, G Crowley, J Crowley; A Guinevan, D Hurley, B Fleming; F Walsh, M Lawton; J Michael-O’Callaghan, C O’Donovan, C Twomey; D Walsh, P Butler, S Walsh.

Subs: F Butler for S Walsh (29), D Deasy for C O’Donovan (32), S Henchion for P Butler (47), S Maxwell for A Guinevan (47).

Referee: Brian Murphy (Carrigtwohill),