’Haven storm back to win

Castlehaven 2-10, Bishopstown 1-11

Trailing by five points at half-time and looking all out of sorts, the mighty ’Haven, in characteristic style, came back off the ropes with a magnificent counter attack after the break.

This was a tremendous victory for Castlehaven - one which leaves them in pole position to win the championship outright, while this galling defeat is certain to have a traumatic effect for Bishopstown.

Although it was nip and tuck in the opening stages with the sides level on three occasions, Bishopstown came out of their shell to take control of proceedings.

James Murphy and Mark Cogan kicked two spectacular points as Bishopstown, tight in defence and dominant at midfield, began to exert their authority.

With Castlehaven looking very ragged, Bishopstown pressed home their distinct territorial advantage. They were most unfortunate that a goal-bound shot from outstanding full forward Shane Conlesk, easily their most effective player with 1-4 to his credit, hit the post.

But there was no stopping a rampant Bishopstown side and after Castlehaven goalkeeper Liam Miles brilliantly saved a Mark Cogan blockbuster, Conlesk was perfectly positioned to steer the rebound home.

This goal, coming as it did in stoppage time in the first half, was a marvellous psychological boost for Bishopstown. It left them leading by 1-6 to 0-4 at the break and poised for victory, particularly in view of the fact that as Castlehaven had lost their shape completely.

However, the switch of Bernie Collins to midfield had the desired effect and as a consequence, with Fra Cahalane playing a leading role, Castlehaven were a transformed team after the break.

Taking the game to their opponents with aggression and great flair Castlehaven, with a goal from Fra Cahalane, following a superb build-up involving Stephen Connolly and the most influential Colin Crowley, brought themselves right back into the thick of things six minutes after the resumption.

Now only a point separated them and suddenly, this up-to-now leaden-footed encounter, burst into life.

With Robert Honohan and Paudie Hurley kicking some splendid points the sides were deadlocked for the fifth time entering the closing quarter and the game was now in the melting pot.

Then came the defining moment after Bernie Collins and Niall Cahalane had taken control at midfield.

Fittingly it was Fra Cahalane, epitomising most the wonderful spirit of Castlehaven, with his most admirable work-rate, who set up Bernie Collins for the all-important goal in the 47th minute.

To their credit however, Bishopstown did not die tamely. Their response to Castlehaven’s goal was quick and effective - two points in rapid succession from their two most lethal forwards, Conlesk and Robert Honohan.

All through the gripping closing stages only the minimum separated them but star substitute Brendan Deasy finally sealed Castlehaven’s memorable triumph with the match-clinching point a minute from the end of normal time.

Scorers for Castlehaven: F. Cahalane 1-1; B. Collins 1-0; P. Hurley 0-5 (0-4 from frees); C. Crowley 0-2; B. Deasy 0-2.

Bishopstown: S. Conlesk 1-4; R. Honohan 0-4 (0-1 from free); M. Cogan, J. Murphy and J. O’Shea (free) 0-1 each.

CASTLEHAVEN: L. Miles; T. O. Leary, L. Collins, P. Loughnane; A. Sheehy, R. Cahalane, D. Cahalane; D. Hurley, N. Cahalane; D. Shanahan, S. Connolly, F. Cahalane; C. Crowley, B. Collins, P. Hurley.

Subs: K. Donovan for R. Cahalane; S. Hurley for Shanahan; B. Deasy for F. Cahalane.

BISHOPSTOWN: M. Galvin; T. Costello, M. Hayes, N. O’Donovan; B. Hussey, S. Murphy, M. Kilgallon; J. Honohan, B. Cuthbert; L. Honohan, M. Cogan, J. Murphy; R. Honohan, S. Conlesk, J. O’Shea.

Subs: D. Murphy for Hayes; A. Hickey for Murphy; C. Doyle for Cogan.

Referee: P. O’Leary (Kilmurry).