Wins for Banteer and Millstreet
Meelin's Batt Curtin sets up a Meelin attack against Banteer in the Duhallow JBHC semi-final
A DETERMINED Banteer carved out a hard earned victory over Meelin in the Duhallow Junior B Hurling Championship played in Meelin last Sunday.
Crucially, Banteer offered more class and character at important stages to pull through of a tight and competitive contest. Meelin weren't short of effort nor commitment yet they lacked the cohesion to breach a tight marking Banteer defence in search of an all important goal.
After early points were traded the deadlock as Banteer's Colin Philpott found a path to the Meelin net as they led 1-2 to 0-4 at the short whistle.
The exchanges continued to be razor keen, Banteer points to Danny Buckley and Keith McGeough matched by Mahony and Guiney tied up the game at the three quarter stage. Steadily, Banteer's game began to operate with more poise and conviction, and again it took a goal to divide a wedge between the sides, Philpott's delivery into the Meelin danger zone saw Jamie Sexton finish to the net.
Meelin had points from Mahony and Ger Angland but the Banteer defence closed off the key danger routes. MILLSTREET held off a spirited Lismire challenge in an exciting match in Millstreet last Sunday. The game swung on two second half goals by key Millstreet corner forward Brian A Kelleher. However Lismire will look back in regret for they matched the home side for intensity but faulty shooting proved a major bugbear.
Much of the opening half developed into a shoot out between Kelleher and Lismire freetaker Rory O'Connor as the home side trailed 0-5 to 0-4 at the break.
Millstreet turned the screw upon the resumption, their dogged determination prompted by the efforts of John O'Sullivan, Muiris O'Connor, Donal Twomey and Kelleher. Their hopes brightened more when Kelleher's deft flick went to the Lismire net.
Lismire's hopes slackened further as Millstreet full forward Alex Twomey laid the groundwork for Kelleher to finish goal number two.
Credit Lismire for sparking a comeback and two points to lone scoring comtributor Rory O'Connor left a goal between the sides. However, Millstreet held the scent of victory and late points from Donal Twomey and Kelleher put the issue beyond doubt.
