Ballyboden St. Enda’s 2-10

Cuala 0-14
There are times in one’s life when one is glad to say “I was there”. This was one such occasion. Having snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the first group game this was the first opportunity to put matters right. Our opponents had had a good day out on the first weekend of the 2020 championship and this was their opportunity to cement qualification for the knockout stage of the competition.
Despite tasting defeat in Round 1 this was our chance to return to winning ways on a balmy evening in Shanganagh Park against a solid Cuala side that departed the championship at the semi-final stage last season at the hands of the eventual winners.
Starting with some minor changes to the lineout Boden soon realised that their opponents were an energetic and efficient outfit. Boden started well but it took all of eight minutes before the first score was registered and it was a goal from John. Despite creating good chances Boden were eventually pegged back to even-steven in the 23rd minute at 0-5 to 1-2.
Boden notched a second goal before the break after quick thinking from Bagsie played Barra in. At half time the score read 2-6 to 0-9 in favour of Boden.
The second half was a tumultuous affair with Boden playing a backs to the wall approach. Scores were much harder to come by as both teams tightened their defensive lines. The referee was beginning to show his teeth and show some cards to keep a lid on the proceedings although it was was by no means a dirty game. Both teams knew what was at stake – a win for Cuala and they would qualify and Boden would have to wait another year.
In the end Boden hung on for what seemed at times to be an unlikely victory. Cuala, numerically superior at times threw everything at Boden but were unable to breech the Boden defence. When the nerves jangled Boden tagged on a score to maintain the dreaded 2-point margin.
A good evening’s work keeps us looking forward the next day out.
Panel: Mark McNamee, Fionn Maguire, Karl Reddy, Conor Hanrahan, Keith Sweeney, Paddy Dunleavy, John Murphy, Conor Lowe, Daragh Kilduff (Oisin Carolan 35′), Colly Dunne, Barra McGarry, Luke O’Donoghue, Ruairi Kirwan (Tommy Burke 45′), John McGinn, Evan Flanagan
Not used: Stephen McGrath, Eoghan Monahan, Cian Bates, Scott Cullen, Ciaran Archbold, Tommy, David Leach, Enda Cashman, Dylan Walsh, John McGuire, Owen Lennon, Fergal Haran, Seamus Keane.
Mentors: Donal Monahan, Wally Durkin, Daire Walsh, Martin Murphy &  Mick Maher