Oulart on march again

Champions Oulart-the-Ballagh remain on course for a fourth title in-a-row when they defeated Shelmaliers (1-19 to 2-11) in their Pettitt’s Wexford SHC semi-final at Wexford Park on Saturday.

Apart from a brief spell before the break when Shelmaliers stormed back into contention, Oulart-the-Ballagh were the more composed, skilful outfit and the result was never really in doubt.

The titleholders edged into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead inside eight minutes before Nicky Kirwan’s 15th minute goal opened a 1-5 to 0-2 gap. Shelmaliers were battling away but showed little penetration in attack, however their hard work was rewarded when Ciaran O’Shaughnessy goaled on the half hour to cut the margin to three points (1-10 to 1-7) at the interval.

But the Shelmaliers second half charge failed to materialise as Oular-the-Ballagh took control. David Redmond and Michael Jacob were dominant in midfield while Garrett Sinnott and Nicky Kirwan landed fine scores for a 1-15 to 1-8 lead entering the fourth quarter. Conor Byrne goaled from a free but there was never any doubting the champions superiority as they comfortably saw out the game to the final whistle.

Faythe Harriers stunned last year’s beaten finalists Rathnure with an excellent second half performance as they swept to a 0-19 to 2-9 victory in this opening semi-final at Wexford Park. Rathnure took a fourth minute lead through a Trevor Hogan goal were unable to build on this as the Wexford town side with some delightful points from Jim Berry, Paul Lambert, Colm Heffernan and Kevin Gore opened a 0-11 to 1-7 interval lead.

With Lee Chin taking control of the outfield possession and striking a morale boosting 80m point in the process, Faythe Harriers controlled the second period building a 0-19 to 1-9 lead as they eased to victory.

Scorers for Faythe Harriers: J Berry 0-8, 5f, 1, 65; P Lambert, K Gore 0-3 each; L Chin 0-2; E Keeling, C Heffernan, R Clarke 0-1 each.

Scorers for Rathnure: R Codd 1-2; T Hogan 1-1; P Codd 0-6, 4f, 1 sideline cut.

Scorers for Oulart-the-Ballagh: N Kirwan 1-7, 3f, 2, 65s; D Redmond, G Sinnott, D Mythen, 0-3 each; R Jacob (1f) 0-2; F Cullen 0-1.

Scorers for Shelmaliers: J Kelly 0-6 frees; C O’Shaughnessy 1-1; C Byrne 1-0 free; C Lawlor, B Doyle, S Banville, T Barron 0-1 each.