29.08.2022
Russell Rovers 1-17 Tracton 1-12
Caherlag was the venue last Friday night, August 26th for the completion of the group stage Premier Junior Hurling Championship 2022. With both Russell Rovers and Tracton already guaranteed a place in the knockouts having accounted for both St Catherine’s and Glen Rovers, it was a game to decide who finished first place in the group. There was also the slight possibility of automatic qualification to the semi-finals depending on results in the other group games.
With the sides having met in the same stage in the 2021 competition with Tracton coming out on top, an even game was expected. It became clear early on that this was going to be the case, with both teams starting with an intensity and intent that it was going to be a hard fought game.
Josh Beausang opened the scoring with a lovely point from the sideline, and extended the lead to 0-02 to 0-00 within the first couple of minutes after being picked out in acres of space. Tracton responded well with the next score before Kevin Moynihan reacted best to a breaking ball to extend the Rovers lead. It remained nip and tuck for the remainder of the half, with Moynihan again, Beausang frees, and two scored from an acute angle from Luke Duggan Murray kept Rovers in touch with a Tracton side who themselves kept the scoreboard ticking, and probably the more satisfied after the first half.
Half time score: Russell Rovers 0-09 Tracton 0-10
Almost instantly the Rovers got on top in the second half, as hard work from Brian Hartnett led to two frees which Beausang converted, as well as a typical Jack McGrath point from the left wing. With the Rovers backs now clearly on top, and more ball flowing to the inside line, it meant danger for Tracton as Brian Hartnett extended the lead. Then, dispossessing the Tracton goalkeeper, Hartnett’s initial shot was saved but Ruairi Cummins was on had to goal from the rebound. Another Beausang free, this time from inside his own 65, left a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-10.
Into the final quarter, Tracton were never going to lay down and hit back with a well taken goal from Michael O’Sullivan. Another Tracton point left 3 in it as we approached additional time. At this point, Rovers held firm, and extended the lead with points from three excellent points from play, two from Beausang, and one from Moynihan. A couple of very late skirmishes led to referee Niall Fahy dismissing two Tracton players. On the referee, it must be mentioned that the Brian Dillons clubman had an excellent game, leaving the game flow in a way that you don’t always associate with club hurling in Cork.
Final Score: Russell Rovers 1-17 Tracton 1-12
A special mention must also go to Erins Own GAA who managed the evening excellently from a logistics standpoint, and as always had their facilities in excellent order.
All in all, the Rovers will be very happy with the championship so far having topped the group. Bigger tests await and one must not look past the next stage which places Rovers in the Quarter Final against Argideen Rangers. As of writing, this fixture will take place on September 10th at 3:00pm in Riverstown.
