Courceys dig deep to book final spot

COURCEY ROVERS are just one step from senior ranks after surviving a stern test from Kilbrittain before a big crowd at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.

This Premier IHC semi-final might not have been an epic, but it was played with real parish rivalry and intensity, with nothing between the sides to the final whistle until Sean Lordan’s terrific late point gave Courceys some ease with an insurance point.

Even then, Courceys lived on their nerves, trying to protect the worst lead in hurling, as never-say-die Kilbrittain went in search of a match-winning goal. And it so nearly materialised. First Alan Hayes shot agonisingly wide and, at the death, Ross Cashman’s late long free was cleared away with Jamie Wall unable to make use of the clearance.