Work-rate and structure key to Douglas hurlers' strong start to Division 1 campaign

Douglas hurlers are on a roll in the RedFM Division 1 Hurling League. 

An impressive 1-18 to 1-13 win over Charleville last Friday night was their third in four games, leaving them level with the Barrs and just behind unbeaten Midleton in the table.

For manager Ken St Ledger, it showed his side are going in the right direction.

“We are delighted with the win on a heavy pitch due to the recent bad weather, so it took a pure team performance to get this win over the line.

“We lost to the Barrs in the last game and to be honest we were unlucky not to get something but the lads rose again this evening against a very solid Charleville side."

There seems to be a cutting edge about this Douglas team that was missing in recent campaigns and St Ledger believes it all starts on the training ground.

Since we came in work-rate and structure has been paramount and we want to move the ball with pace.

“The coaching staff of Teddy O’Donovan, Vincent Hurley and Brian Kidney are putting in great work with the lads and you can see the results we are getting in our league games.” 

Despite the work that is being done on the training ground St Ledger believes you have to get the players behind you.

“There is only so much you can do on the line and the players, are the most important cog in the wheel as they have got to understand what we are trying to instill into them and so far we have great camaraderie in the camp.” 

ENERGETIC

It was noticeable the energy shown by Douglas in this win was extraordinary over the hour.

“Every player from 1 to 15 must give their all and you could see tonight our press worked a treat, particularly in the second half."

The biggest talking point of the night was the 13-point contribution of Shane Kingston and his manager paid tribute to his commitment.

“To be honest, Shane is a quality player and even last week he had another superb game against the Barrs with his work-rate similar to what we witnessed this evening.

I think the energy that Shane is showing is rubbing off on the rest of the squad and we are delighted to have him available to us.” 

Next up for Douglas is a trip to play Fr O’Neill’s.

“When you play any side in East Cork you know that you will have to be up for battle, and they will be anxious to get a win as they after a few defeats.” 

The Premier Senior Hurling Championship will see Douglas pitted against the holders Sarsfields, Newtownshandrum and Charleville. A tricky group for a club that has struggled to make a mark in recent seasons.

“It’s a very tough draw and we open against Newtownshandrum but look we need to believe as we are adamant this team of ours can compete and all will be revealed in August. 

"We are certainly giving it a huge effort.”