Masterful Magpies defeat Rockies in thrilling replay

MIDLETON’S rise to prominence continued at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night as they earned a place in the last eight of the Evening Echo Cork County SHC and a tilt with neighbours Cloyne with a 0-12 to 0-10 victory over former champions Blackrock.

The victory ensured there are now at least six East Cork representatives in the quarter-finals — and possibly seven if Imokilly come through.

Unlucky the previous week, this replay seemed the perfect backdrop for Blackrock to complete the job. But the Magpies beat them at their own game, matching the Rockies physically before securing a deserved victory with late points by the magnificent Mickey O’Connell and John Keane.