Sweet relief for Barrs as Buckley's brace lifts relegation fears 

Newcestown also avoid the drop but the greatest easing of nerves came from Ger Cunningham's side whose goal threat proved the difference 

THAT'S THE STUFF: Ethan Twomey, St. Finbarr's, celebrates his goal in the first half against Newcestown at Cloughduv. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

Cork Premier SHC: ST FINBARRS 3-17 NEWCESTOWN 0-20 

The relief on the faces of the St Finbarrs management at the final whistle in Cloughduv said it all as the yoke of relegation from the premier senior stakes lifted from their shoulders.

The team’s grunt work had been done in the first half when they faced a hefty breeze. In the second, the players were mostly business-like in how they solidified a win over Newcestown who also avoid the drop.

Courtesy of two William Buckley goals, St Finbarrs enjoyed a 3-7 to 0-13 point lead at the interval. It was a satisfying advantage but they didn’t have it much easier in the third quarter.

Admittedly, it was Richard O’Sullivan’s marksmanship which was keeping the scoreboard ticking over for Newcestown but they weren’t tailing off. Scores may have come easier for St Finbarrs but the goal openings went abegging. Brian Hayes’ batted effort in the 45th minute was tame and Cathal Wilson denied Buckley his hat-trick four minutes later.

Still, Newcestown never troubled St Finbarrs’ goal and that ultimately proved the difference. Their own point from play in the second came from William Buckley in additional time. Meanwhile, Ben Cunningham and Jack Cahalane were standing tall with great scores to keep St Finbarrs in the driving seat.

The Barrs’ start and finish to the first half had left something to be desired. Two puck-outs to Andrew Casey were turned over and Newcestown’s hunger, combined with the wind factor, saw them into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after five minutes.

Ger Cunningham’s side learned their lessons quickly and were back on level terms in the eighth minute. Ethan Twomey struck low to the Newcestown net as referee Diarmuid Kirwan played good advantage for a foul in the build-up.

The teams were level on three more occasions before St Finbarrs hit their opponents for two goals in the space of three minutes. With Twomey moving powerfully, they were winning the wrestle in the middle third and the movement of the inside line was sharp.

Moving Hayes to centre-forward and playing with a four-man half-back line made sense when the elements weren’t in their favour. Hayes laid off both goals, the first in the 18th minute in a move that originated close to the sideline. Jack Cahalane squared to Hayes who repeated the favour for Buckley to find the net.

Soon after, Buckley was celebrating again when he batted the ball for a second green flag as Hayes was provider once more to push St Finbarrs six ahead, 3-7 to 0-10.

Lacking in the previous couple of games, the confidence was flowing in The Barrs’ play but Newcestown cut their deficit in half with the last three points of the half.

Scorers for St Finbarrs: W. Buckley (2-1); B. Cunningham (0-6, 2 frees); J. Cahalane (0-5); E. Twomey (1-1); B. Hayes (0-2); A. Casey, E. Finn (0-1 each).

Scorers for Newcestown: R. O’Sullivan (0-10, frees); C. Dinneen (0-4); C. O’Donovan, D. Buckley (0-2 each); S. O’Donovan, N. Kelly (0-1 each).

ST FINBARRS: S. Hurley; C. Doolan, J. Burns (c), E. Keane; C. Crowley, D. Cahalane, E. Finn, A. Casey; E. Twomey, P. Buggy; J. Cahalane, B. Hayes, B. Cunningham; J. Willington-Barrett, W. Buckley.

Subs for St Finbarrs: S. Cunningham for A. Casey (47); A. Barry for P. Buggy (60+1).

NEWCESTOWN: C. Wilson; M. McSweeney, F. Keane, J. Kelleher; C. O’Neill, L. Meade, E. Collins (c); T. Twomey, C. O’Donovan; S. O’Donovan, R. O’Sullivan, D. Buckley; C. Dinneen, R. O’Sulllivan, D. Buckley.

Subs for Newcestown: O. Walsh for N. Kelly (47);

Referee: D. Kirwan (Éire Óg).