Ballymartle set out their stall

BALLYMARTLE justified their status as championship favourites once more in Minane Bridge last night when they staved off a spirited challenge from local rivals Courcey Rovers before triumphing in the Evening Echo Cork PIHC semi-final.

The concession of two goals in the closing stages, the second of which trimmed the gap to two points in the 62nd minute, ensured Ballymartle’s route to victory transpired to be an anxious one.

But their performance on the night entitled them to the winners’ garlands. They possessed the better individual performers, produced a storming first-half performance that created a critical six-point interval advantage and did not wilt in the face of Courcey Rovers powerful late onslaught.