Bennett blasts Ballysaggart to junior glory

All-Ireland minor medallist Stephen Bennett capped an unforgettable season as he blasted 1-12 to guide Ballysaggart past Tramore, 1-18 to 1-9, in the Premier Junior final at Walsh Park yesterday.

The Western side led from the first whistle, cashing in on the backing of the wind.

They sprinted 0-8 to 0-2 ahead by the close of the opening quarter. Bennett netted on 17 minutes and they finished the opening half with a cushion of 1-10 to 0-5.

On the turnover, Tramore quickly chased down the deficit. A David Acheson goal and the reliability of James Whelan from placed balls moved them to within three points of the leaders (1-11 to 1-8) after 40 minutes. A youthful Saggart side held their heads, however, and a flurry of frees from man of the match Bennett steered them home.

Ballysaggart’s first junior title since 2007 sends them forward to a Munster championship date with the Cork champions on November 10.