Murphys switch so smooth for Sarsfields

GUTSY Sarsfields upset former champions Na Piarsaigh at Páirc Uí Rinn to reach the third round of the Evening Echo Cork Co SHC, 2-12 to 0-9, and force the city side, with Sean Óg Ó hAilpin and John Gardiner in their ranks, into a relegation battle.

On a night not conducive to good hurling, the Glanmire side were full value for their nine-point victory, while Piarsaigh must now play Delanys in a northside relegation semi-final.

Sars coach John Barry made a master move by starting county senior Kieran Murphy at midfield and switching Tadhg Óg Murphy to corner-forward. The former revelled in the open spaces while Tadhg Óg was devastating in his corner berth, contributing 2-2 from play. Piarsaigh moved Ó hAilpín to midfield and John Gardiner to attack but to no avail as the Sars defence, with Kevin Goggin and Brian McCarthy outstanding, held firm.