06.08.2022
Russell Rovers 0-18
Glen Rovers 2-10
Russell Rovers Premier Junior Hurlers made it two wins from two after a gutsy performance against Glen Rovers second string in Lisgoold. After the conclusion of round 2 of the PJHC group stage, this means qualification for the knockout stage. The group winner will be decided on August 26th in Blackrock, as we take on Tracton who are also unbeaten to date.
Back to last Saturday, on what was a perfect evening for hurling, a slow start for us meant Glen Rovers hit the first score via a well taken goal. Our lads were finding it difficult to gather momentum with a number of shots drifting wide or dropping short into the Glen Rovers goalkeeper. We did however keep in touch via the free taking accuracy of Brian Hartnett. Despite losing James Kennefick to injury mid way through the half, a fine final 10 minutes left us in the lead by one point 0-9 to 1-5 at the break.
This momentum carried into the second half as Ruari Cummins opened the scoring and a couple of long range Josh Beausang frees stretched out our lead. However as we well know, the fine tradition of Glen Rovers meant they were far from throwing in the towel and they stormed back into the game with their second goal, and almost a third only for an excellent stop from Ross Walsh.
It then became a battle of the free takers as we saw the referee award a number of soft looking frees against both teams. However with the greater accuracy of Josh Beausang, we managed to claw back the deficit and take a one point lead going into the final minutes. From here all of the Russell Rovers players stood up, with especially important moments from Paul Lane, Jack McGrath and Brian Hartnett. With Glen Rovers pushing on, the ever hard working Ruari Cummins won the final free which led to a red card dismissal for the Glen man. Josh pushed the scoreboard advantage out to two and our backs stayed defiant for the remainder until the final whistle was blown.
A special mention to the Russell Rovers support, who outnumbered Glen Rovers and provided vital encouragement in the second half when the game was in the balance.
