Result: 1 15 to 0 13
AHL 1 – Boden take Points in Marino – Wordsworth Reports
A sure sign of Spring is the emergence of the daffodils in the field below Rathfarnham. Another sign is the commencement of the Hurling League and in that respect, Ballyboden St Endas started their defence of the Division 1 title that was won in 2017. They travelled to Pairc Na Uinsionn in Marino to take on their usual early League opponents, St Vincents on Sunday 25th February 2018.
Conditions were bright, sunny and chilly as the ball was thrown in. Vincents recorded the first score with a free. Aided by a stiff breeze, Boden then imposed themselves on the match and dominated the next ten minutes. Points by Niall Ryan, Niall McMorrow, Conor Robinson and Conor Dooley and a free converted by Simon Lambert created some daylight early on. Conor Robinson did well under the puckout in this period and fed the forwards nicely. The hosts rallied in the second quarter but, with a few minutes to go in the half, good running by Paul Doherty created space for Niall Ryan to take the pass and send a powerful shot to the net. This goal was welcome as Vincents had edged their way into contention. The sides went to the break on a scoreline of Boden 1-8 St Vincents 0-7.
A strong third quarter was vital to maintain the upper hand what and this is exactly happened. A handful of frees by Lambert and a fine point by Doherty ensured that this was the case. Jamie Desmond and Stephen O’Connor defended well under the long ball in this quarter and again found their forwards with good distribution, as did Conor O’Donoghue between the posts, making his first AHL1 start. Colm Ó’Néill made an immediate impact having come on and won a free in midfield. As Vincents ran at the Boden defence in the final quarter, close marking, led by Malachy Travers, ensured chances were limited. A pair of points by the two Nialls in the last few minutes wrapped it up and left the final scoreline Boden 1-15 St Vincents 0-13.
A solid start to get the campaign underway. Next match is at home to O’Tooles in a couple of weeks.
For photos, see here