Result: 2 15 to 3 10
AHL 3 – Boden keep in the race – Wordsdworth reports
Ballyboden Senior B team lined out against Naomh Mearnóg in this Division 3 Hurling League match in Ballycullen on Thursday 31st August. Good conditions underfoot with the Ballycullen suface looking particularly well and late summer sun to brighten up the evening.
Aaron Coffey got Boden off the mark with a fine point that drew a quick response from Mearnóg. Full forward Austen Lynch then found himself in space after a delightful diagonal ball from Coffey and sent the ball to the net for the first green flag. Luke Corcoran was a commanding presence in the full back line and repelled many of the Mearnóg attacks. Neal Farrell was industrious in midfield and won most of the breaking ball in that area. Boden’s half forward line of Adam Jermyn, Ronan Cleary and Dónal Butler were also in good form, showing for ball from the defence and choosing the pass to the inside line wisely. A magnificent long range point from Cleary was a highlight as we moved to the end of the first quarter. As the match moved towards half-time, Boden had a very good spell. Hard work led to the concession of a 65 by Mearnóg that Lynch sent over. Then, after a strong run, the same man tood over a penalty – converted in style. Further points by Cleary and Coffey left the half-time score Boden 2-9 Naomh Mearnóg 0-7.
The high clouds now parted and the sun was beaming into the faces of the Boden defence. Despite this Jermyn caught a magnificent ball from an opposition puckout and the ball found its way to Cleary who was now flying around the half forward line. Two points from him saw Boden stretch the lead. Boden suffered a setback at this point, when from two close in frees, the flight of the ball was lost in the sun and nestled in the net. Suddenly, from being in a position of strength, Boden needed to dig deep. Keith Robinson made some fine catches under pressure and in front of him, Naoise Maguire was covering every blade of grass, urging his team forward. Lynch then steadied matters with a pair of well taken frees. Enter Finn McDonagh, who was in no mood to let this slip – he was dynamic and proved a real handful for the Mearnóg defence. Two superb points meant Boden had the required cushion to see the match out. Final score Boden 2-15 Naomh Mearnóg 3-10. This leaves the team fighting for a top five spot in the League with a couple of matches to go.