On a splendid evening for hurling, our second hurling team continued their unbeaten streak in the East Cork Division 3 Hurling League.
Unsurprisingly, Sarsfield travelled with a big panel and signaled their intent with the first couple of points in the match. Rovers tightened up at the back with the evergreen Anthony Archer impressing early on in the number 5 shirt. It was only a matter of time that Cormac Aherne was fed with quality ball and a delivery down the left wing saw Cormac take the ball, and impressively solo towards the goal and bury to the roof of the Sars net. Cormac was once again the main scoring threat throughout and his accuracy from placed balls must be commended. Ably assisted up front by the hard working duo of Jack Beausang and Kevin Roche, Rovers started to get on top around the middle third with Kevin Ivers, Shane O’Neill, Fintan Murray and Dan Ruddy getting on a pile of ball which saw Rovers build a slight gap on the socreboard.
However Sars did respond and managed a late first half rally to lead by a solidarity point 1-5 to 0-9 at half time. The Rovers Management Team of Kevin Moynihan, James Moynihan and Denis Crotty had to be content knowing Sars had a strong wind advantage.
Kieran Ivers was introduced for Anthony Archer, and Aidan Beausang for Kevin Roche at half time. Aidan, taking up a midfield position used his experience to pick up breaks which allowed Kevin Ivers, James Ahern and Fintan Murray pick out Jack Beausang and Cormac Aherne who pointed Rovers back into the lead. Ill discipline from Sars saw Cormac take advantage again, but it was crucial points from Shane O’Neill and Kiaran Aherne kept Sars at a distance.
The final 10 required a mammoth effort from Rovers as Sars emptied the bench, arguably introducing more quality than what started. A goal would seal the deal for Sars, but there was absolutely no getting past Alan Lenihan, Eoghan Devanney and Eoin McGrath in the full back line. Chris Scanlon, back in the Rovers goal played to the time limits in slowing up the game meaning Sars could never get enough momentum to retake the lead as Rovers saw the game out.
This win puts Rovers top of Division 3 with Carrigtwohill, Castlelyons, and Fr O’Neills to play.
Final Score:
Russell Rovers 1:15 Sarsfields 0-17
Team: Chris Scanlon, Alan Lenihan, Eoghan Devanney, Eoin McGrath, Anthony Archer, Kevin Ivers, James Ahern, Shane O’Donovan, Shane O’Neill, Kiaran Ahern, Dan Ruddy, Fintan Murray, Jack Beausang, Cormac Aherne, Kevin Roche: Subs (all used) Kieran Ivers, Aidan Beausang, Cormac Devery, James Walsh
