De La Salle struggle against Fourmilewater

DE LA SALLE, defeated in last year’s Waterford SHC final, struggled to overcome a disappointing Fourmilewater in this first round game at Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Saturday.

John Mullane or James Quirke were sorely missed by the victors and major improvement will be needed if they are to repeat the heroics of last year.

In the absence of Mullane most of the attacking honours were garnered by corner forwards Matthew Barden and 17-year-old Craig Moloney who accounted for nine points.

They also owed much to powerful county star Brian Phelan at centre back, while their other county man, Kevin Moran, was industrious in midfield.

De La Salle dominated the early stages and opened up a 0-6 to 0-2 advantage inside 12 minutes. Fourmilewater cane into the game in the second quarter with Liam Lawlor leading in attack, but they lacked firepower up front and De La Salle weren’t flattered by their 0-9 to 0-4 half-time lead.

Patrick Walsh did raise Fourmilewater hopes when he pointed a brace of frees in the 34th and 36th minutes to narrow the deficit to a single goal.

The final 20 minutes yielded just three more points from Moloney(2) and Barden for the winners.

Scorers: De La Salle: C. Moloney (0-5); M. Barden (0-4); K. Moran, L. Lawlor, B. Phelan (0-1 each). Fourmnilewater: P. Walsh (0-3); D. Ryan, M. Walsh, S. Lawlor (0- 1 each).

DE LA SALLE: S. Brenner; A. Kelly, I. Flynn, M. Doherty; D. Russell, B. Phelan, C. Watt; K. Moran, D. Dooley; T. Kearney, D. McGrath. B. Farrell; C. Moloney, L. Lawlor, M. Barden.

Subs: P. Nevin for Dooley; D. Twomey for Watt; A. Ryan for Farrell.

FOURMILEWATER: T. Flynn; J. Walsh, T. O’Gorman, Michael O’Gorman; M. Connolly, B. Wall, L. Walsh; M. Walsh, Maurice O’Gorman; P. Walsh, L. Lawlor, D. Ryan; S. Lawlor, D. Spellman, A. Lawlor.

Subs: A. Ryan for A. Lawlor; J. Moore for Michael O’Gorman; I. Coffey for P. Walsh.

Referee: T O’Sullivan, Cappoquin.