Senior 1 Hurling Championship
Ballyboden St. Enda’s 2 24 St. Judes 1 15
Ballyboden Senior 1 will be happy with their performance in O’Toole Park on Saturday evening. The pitch was very fast and the tightly cut pitch showed marked improvement from the pitch we played on two weeks ago. This led to a very fast sod and this suited Boden’s speed as they made full use of the pitch. There was also a marked difference in “bite” to the game against Whitehall. A local championship Derby against our neighbours from across the roundabout is always one to saviour and they certainly came prepared for the battle. But this game was controlled by Boden from the beginning.
An early Luke McDwyer goal seized the early initiative. Jude’s responded well but points from Niall McMorrow (pictured above) and David Gleeson kept a gallant Judes at arms length. Niall McMorrow was in sparkling form for Boden, with his ten point tally including a very impressive six points from play. David Gleeson was causing trouble in the corner and his movement was causing his markers some problems. Judes put Danny Sutcliffe in the pocket (centre back) but Boden ensured there was no loose balls reigning on top of him and the county man’s influence was kept to a minimum. John Carty and Joe McManus did their best to keep their side in the hunt but St Jude’s still faced a substantial 1-12 to 0-7 deficit by half-time.
The second half started as the first finished with the teams exchanging points. Boden looked in control but a goal from Carty brought that deficit down to a mare manageable four points. The large Judes following sensed a rally but their opponents netted immediately after excellent work from recently introduced through Darragh Kenny to regain their control. A flurry of points from Boden from all over the pitch saw the game peter out with a resounding win.
As stated earlier, Niall McMorrow was a thorn for Judes throughout. David Gleeson and Niall Ryan looked sharp up front for the winners, each contributing four points from play while Jack Lambert landed his customary two points from wing-back. A worry for Boden was an injury to Conor O’ Donoghue who limped off with about ten minutes to go. He was replaced in goal by Simon Lambert, a man not unknown to that position and one where he has some former glory!!
The victory ensures second spot in the table and quarter final spot against the third placed team in the other group. Of course, there still is the expected battle from Craobh Chiaráin on Saturday week at the same venue.