Kilworth manager hails strong attitude and work-rate after impressive defeat of Ballymartle

There was relief and delight in the Kilworth camp following their impressive 3-26 to 2-20 win over Ballymartle in the Co Op Superstores Premier Intermediate championship at Rathcormac on Sunday.

For manager Noel Gowen this game was all about getting the crucial win.

“First round games are always tricky affairs and credit to Ballymartle they caused us all sorts of problems as we didn’t come out of the blocks as quick as we would have liked.

“To be fair they won the majority of dirty ball and their shooting was exceptional especially on the left wing and it was similar to last season when we played them."

So what changed the course of the game for Kilworth?

“Once we knuckled down and began contesting in the middle third he pendulum swung but for me it was down to the lads waking up and smelling the coffee because we suddenly began winning tackles and broken ball.” 

The Kilworth chief believes the goal before the break gave his team the belief and inspiration they needed.

“The goal before half-time was crucial from Will Condon as suddenly, we were back in parity after chasing the game for long periods in the first half and to go in at the break on level terms was huge for us.” 

There was some planning at half-time from the Kilworth management team to get their side ready for the second half.

“There was restructuring as we needed to be better for the opening quarter of the second half starting with the puck-outs as we knew that we had good aerial power.

“The bottom line is that this win is all about the players' attitude. All the squad, including our players from the bench, did a great job.” 

Mental strength

In the words of the Kilworth manager coming from behind is something his team have experienced in various games this season.

“It was much the same in some of our league games, but this group of players refused to panic and always find a way to win and that’s down to their mental strength.” 

Getting players singing from the same hymn sheet is crucial.

“The players are enjoying their hurling and now we go back to the training ground and get ready for the next game against Valley Rovers.” 

The standard in the Premier Intermediate championship is high according to Gowen.

“You have to be polished as there is some very good teams in this championship and it’s a magnificent competition and our next against Valley Rovers will be a huge challenge as they are a big physical team capable of posing us plenty of problems.

“We will take confidence from today especially in the manner we finished the game, but Valley Rovers will be a completely new challenge for us.” 

The mood in the Ballymartle camp was one of sheer disappointment as coach Padraig Gould summed up their day at the office.

“We started well and looked to be firing on all cylinders, but we lost our way in the closing 10 minutes before the break and never seemed to recover in the second half,” said Gould.

The resilience shown by Kilworth was complemented by Gould.

“In fairness, they had a plan and never went away from it and we basically played second fiddle in the second half.

“To be fair, it’s not all negative as we played some great hurling in the first half and we must put this loss behind us and get ready for Carrigaline."