Battling St Finbarr’s rally to foil Newcestown in extra-time

St Finbarr’s 2-15 Newcestown 1-15: An extra-time surge from St Finbarr’s, having sneaked a draw at the end of 60 minutes, propelled them into Round 2A of the Cork SHC at Newcestown’s expense in Brinny yesterday.

Apart from the opening point by Colm Keane of the Barr’s, Newcestown led for almost all 60 minutes of normal time as they looked set to mark their championship debut in the grade with a win.

While their biggest lead was four points and there was little between the sides through the low-scoring second half, last year’s Premier IHC champions Newcestown stayed in front, even though they experienced a scoring drought after Ian Lordan’s sending-off saw the Togher side reduced to 14 men.