LS far too strong as Youghal dream ends

De La Salle (Waterford) 3-10 Youghal CBS 1-8

De La Salle, playing with a strong breeze, exerted early and decisive dominance in the middle of the field where Shane O’Sullivan, brother of former Waterford star Billy, was the most influential figure.

His forward sextet though were not as impressive, shooting five wides inside the opening six minutes, and six more before the interval.

Youghal didn’t register at all in the wides department over those 30 minutes and Cork minor star Brendan Barry gave them a third minute lead with a pointed free. He was to account for all of their four first half scores from frees as the Cork side trailed 3-5 to 0-4.

The victor’s goals came from Gearoid O’Connor, the outstanding Tommy Power, and Matthew Barden in the 8th, 18th and 27th minutes, and indeed Youghal’s half time deficit would have been even more intimidating but for a combination of De La Salle wastage in attack and a resolute defence.

There was a glimmer of hope for Youghal when Barry (free) and Brendan Ring, with their only score from play, landed points within three minutes of the restart. But with O’Sullivan majestic at midfield, the likelihood of De La Salle losing the initiative remained remote.

Barry threw them a lifeline when he goaled from a 20-metre free in the 53rd minute to slash the margin to just five points, 3-7 to 1-8, but that was as good as it was to get for them.

De La Salle responded with a James Quirke point as Youghal’s mini challenge was snuffed out just as quickly as it had commenced.

Further minors from Quirke (free) and, fittingly, O’Sullivan with a magnificent one from play, closed the scoring.

Scorers for De La Salle: T Power(1-3);

J Quirke(0-4); G O’Connor(1-0); M Barden(1-0);

P Nevin, K Moran, S O’Sullivan(0-1) each.

Youghal CBS: B Barry(1-7, frees); B Ring(0-1).

DE LA SALLE: J Dooley; D Russell, W Hutchinson, M Doherty; N Delahunty, P Hogan, P Carroll; S O’Sullivan, D Heffernan; K Moran, J Quirke,

P Nevin; M Barden, T Power, G O’Connor. Subs: G Molloy for Heffernan; A Ryan for Moran.

YOUGHAL CBS: E O’Donovan; E Kelly, J Cotter, D Coyne; J Collins, C Fogarty, M O’Brien; B McCarthy, B Harnedy; E Loughlin, B Ring, W O’Keeffe; N Roche, B Barry, L Desmond; Subs: N Beresford for Desmond; E Ahearne for Kelly.

Referee: Noel Cosgrave, Tipperary.