Bride Rovers move closer to knockout phase with 11 point win over Castlelyons

After defeating Cloyne by 23 points in round one, there is no disputing their superiority thus far in Group B, and this latest result was a fair reflection of proceedings, courtesy of an all-round team performance.

Fri, 23 Aug, 2024 - 21:22

Therese O’Callaghan, Ballynoe

Cork Senior A HC: Bride Rovers 1-21 Castlelyons 1-10

Bride Rovers moved one step closer to securing a knockout place in the Co-Op Superstores Cork SAHC following their merited 11-point victory over Castlelyons in Ballynoe on Friday night.

A derby game in name only, as the Castlelyons goal came a minute from time.

The impeccable free-taking of Adam Walsh was clearly a deciding factor, with the number 12 scoring 11 points for the winners (nine from placed balls).

As well, Cillian Tobin who had been abroad and was also recovering from injury, marked his return with a superb 11th minute goal - set up by Walsh - that sent them on their way.

Meanwhile, all is not lost for Castlelyons in their first year up in senior ranks, as they have already recorded a win over Fermoy - the north Cork side meet Cloyne on Sunday in round 2.

But on this occasion, last season’s Premier intermediate champions were up against stellar opposition. Alan Fenton didn’t have a great night on frees and overall their wides count that went into double digits - 10 in the first half and eight from frees over the 60 minutes plus - hurt them.

The signs were ominous for Castlelyons, playing with the wind in the first half, they trailed 1-7 to 0-5.

Bride Rovers produced a mean defensive display, headed up by the Roche twins Eoin and Brian Roche. In reality all six were on form, meaning Castlelyons struggled for scores.

Tobin’s goal - struck one-on-one against the ‘keeper - put the Rathcormac side 1-3 to 0-1 up.

Shane O’Connor got in on the scoring, so too Patrick O’Flynn as they pushed 1-7 to 0-3 ahead.

Scores from Fenton (free) and Anthony Spillane left Castlelyons in arrears by double scores at the break.

They had a great opportunity to peg back a goal early in the second half but Spillane’s touch went across the goal and wide.

Bride Rovers' points started to flow from all angles, including a run of seven unanswered points to yield a 1-19 to 0-8 advantage after 52 minutes. Two of these flags were inspirational points from Conleith Ryan.

It was a 15-point match as the clock entered the red.

Castlelyons had to go searching for goals and they finally got one past Cian Hogan, but not before he pulled off a brilliant save to deny Anthony Spillane but Fenton was best positioned for the follow-up.

Hogan, again, produced another fantastic save in stoppage time.

The final round of group action next month sees Bride Rovers take on Fermoy, while Castlelyons meet Cloyne.

Scorers for Bride Rovers: A Walsh (0-11, 0-9 frees), C Tobin (1-1), J Ahern (0-3), C Ryan and P O’Flynn (0-2 each), S O’Connor and D Barry (0-1 each).

Scorers for Castlelyons: A Fenton (1-6, 0-5 frees), B Murphy (0-2), D Spillane and A Spillane (0-1 each).

BRIDE ROVERS: C Hogan; J Peters, E Roche (J-Capt), D Cashman; C Hazelwood, B Roche, S O’Connor (J-Capt); J Mannix, D Barry; C Ryan, J Ahern, P O’Flynn; C Tobin, R O’Connell, A Walsh.

Subs: L Roche for C Tobin (57), T O’Sullivan for C Ryan (61).

CASTLELYONS: J Barry; O Hallihan, L Sexton, C Barry; C Spillane (Capt), N O’Leary, D Spillane; J Kearney, A Fenton; E Maye, L Doocey, K O’Leary; C McCarthy, A Spillane, D Morrison.

Subs: B Murphy for C McCarthy (half-time), B Spillane for D Morrison (35), A O’Sullivan for E Maye (47).

Referee: Aidan Hyland (Kilworth).