Ballyduff have the upper hand against Lismore

Ballyduff Upper brought back the bragging rights from Tallow last night as they defeated local rivals Lismore in the Waterford SHC. Shane Kearney’s injury time point, in the pouring rain, settled a cracking contest (1-17 to 2-13).

The Reds edged in front 1-9 to 1-8 at the break after a see-saw first-half. Maurice Shanahan buried a 21 metre free on 20 minutes as Lismore rushed into a seven point lead. Ballyduff turned the tables as the half progressed and won the tactical battle, John Twomey cleaning up possession in his sweeper role. Shane Kearney’s goal and six points from county minor Mikey Kearney put them a point in front.

On the resumption, Lismore again started well. Maurice Shanahan scrambled home a 33rd minute goal but despite shooting 2-8, ended up on the losing side. Stephen Molumphy returned from army duty to play a starring role and Mikey Kearney’s 10th point brought the teams levelentering injury time. Another minor Cian Leamy struck them one ahead before Shanahan equalised from a free. Shane Kearney had the last word to spark jubilant scenes.

At Walsh Park, the spoils were shared between Dungarvan and Passage (0-18 apiece) after a free ridden 60 minutes. The Blues led at the break 0-10 to 0-8 but last year’s finalists couldn’t hold out as Peter Queally’s side levelled late on.

In the Waterford SFC, The Nire and An Rinn ended level after an enjoyable tussle in Cappoquin (1-10 to 0-13). A 35th minute goal from Shane Ryan helped the six-time champions to a four-point lead. But An Rinn rebounded, Donie Breathnach and Bilí Breathnach kicking late points.

Elsewhere in Group 2, Rathgormack grabbed their first win against Brickey Rangers at Fraher Field (3-10 to 1-7).

With one round left, it’s a three-way scrap between Brickeys, Rathgormack and Ballinameela for the quarters spot.