Newtownshandrum conquer Douglas to set up Midleton test

With unbeaten champions Sarsfields top of this group A and going straight to the semi-final, Newtownshandrum finished in second place after recording two wins.

Sun, 08 Sep, 2024 - 18:32

Therese O’Callaghan

Cork Premier SHC: Newtownshandrum 2-17 Douglas 0-19

Newtownshandrum advanced to the quarter-final of the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC following their four-point victory in Mourneabbey on Sunday, where they will take on last season’s finalists Midleton.

With unbeaten champions Sarsfields top of this group A and going straight to the semi-final, Newtownshandrum finished in second place after recording two wins.

Douglas finished third and Bishopstown in fourth.

The strong wind blowing down the field was a factor at the north Cork venue, and when Newtownshandrum captain Tim O’Mahony won the toss and opted to play into the elements, it proved to be a good call.

Although it must be said, both sets of players found it difficult to gauge at times.

With a mere 16 seconds on the clock, Conor Griffin raced through the middle and had the ball in the net.

Ronan Geary nabbed their second goal in the 19th minute to push the Avondhu side 2-5 to 0-5 up.

It brings to 10 the number of goals they’ve scored in their three championship games.

Douglas, who have disappointed this season, appeared to be in trouble at half-time when they went to the dressing room on level terms, 2-6 to 0-12 - free-taker Alan Cadogan and Shane Kingston supplied nine between them.

Newtownshandrum's Cormac O'Brien first to the sliotar from Douglas' Shane Kingston during the Co-Op Superstores Premier SHC at Mourneabbey. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

They managed to take the lead early in the second half, but it was brief.

Newtownshandrum played some terrific hurling between the 40th and 50th minute when they shot seven unanswered points for a 2-15 to 0-16 lead - six of these were from open play, including two superb points from spirited captain O’Mahony.

In the 54th minute, the south city team lost Shane Bourke to a red card for an off the ball incident, the sub was not long on the field at the time. It left them with too much to do.

Newtownshandrum simply refused to be denied and all over the field they hunted in packs.

Cormac O’Brien led from the back, O’Mahony provided leadership and when Mattie Ryan fired a long-range inspirational point they were on their way. They weren’t the only ones however.

Jamie Coughlan gave them an edge with his usual haul from expert free-taking, while Griffin and Geary’s first half goals proved priceless.

They’ll be hoping a few injuries come right for their next big day out, but for now Gerdi O’Mahony and his management team will be happy with a job well done.

Scorers for Newtownshandrum: J Coughlan (0-8, 0-4 frees, 0-2 65s). C Griffin (1-2), R Geary (1-1), T O’Mahony (0-2), M Ryan, D O’Connor, C O’Brien and J Twomey (0-1 each).

Scorers for Douglas: S Kingston (0-8, 0-5 frees), A Cadogan (0-5, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65), K McSweeney, E Cadogan, J Harte, M Howell, D Harte and A O’Connell (0-1 each).

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM: J Bowles; C O’Brien, P O’Sullivan, M Ryan; D Hawe, T O’Mahony (Capt), K O’Sullivan; B Collins, Robert Troy; C Griffin, E O’Mahony, D O’Connor; C Naughton, J Coughlan, R Geary.

Subs: J Twomey for C Naughton (30 inj), S Griffin for E O’Mahony (40), P Noonan for C Griffin (55), J Geary for R Troy (59).

DOUGLAS: D Maher; K McSweeney, D Murphy, D Kelly; E O’Flynn, E Cadogan, D Harte; M Howell, A O’Connell; M Harrington, A Cadogan (Capt), J Harte; S Moylan, S Kingston, C Kingston.

Subs: M O’Connor for S Kingston (25-26 temp), M O’Connor for S Moylan (half-time), S Bourke for J Harte (50).

Referee: Ian McCarthy (Bandon).