Clyda power into semis
Neilus Kearney, Araglin, breaks past the Austin O'Hara and Chris Kenny, Kilworth, defence during their Junior Championship game played in Fermoy last weekend
Thursday August 13 2009
CLYDA Rovers progressed to meet Castletownroche in the Hibernian Hotel Premier JHC semi-final when they were worthy winners over Ballygiblin on Wednesday evening in Ballyhooly.
Aided by the stiff breeze Ballygiblin were to make a promising start with Declan Power and Keith McGrath in great form in the backline and helped by some well taken scores from Shane Beston, Danny Duggan, Ian Condon and Kevin O'Gorman they surged into a 0-4 to 01 lead by the eight minute.
Clyda Rovers slowly began to gain their composure, with their defence tightening up considerably breaking up many Ballygiblin movements and by the end of the first quarter they managed to get on level terms at 0-5 each.
Exchanges were very close for the rest of the half with Keith McGrath, Padraigh O'Mullane, Shane Beston and James Murphy trading points to have the sides level for the fourth-time at half-time at 0-7 each.
On the changeover Ballygiblin introduced the injured Dave Moher into the fray where he made his presence felt during the opening minutes scoring a quick point before he was on hand to score the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute following good work by Alan Lane to move into a four point advantage.
However, Ballygiblin were unable to build on this and instead it was the Mourneabbey outfit that began to gain the upperhand with Paudie Kissane very impressive at midfield while Ollie O'Hanlon, James Murphy, Christopher Buckley and the O'Mullane and Roche brothers were also equally as effective and they were to reel off the next four points through James Murphy and Kevin Roche to level matters at 1-8 to 011.
Clyda Rovers were to take the lead for the first time in the game in the 40th minute when David Murphy and Paudie Kissane combined well to place Christopher Buckley for a well taken point. Ballygiblin responded with a fine point from Laurence O'Flynn at the three quarter stage, but the momentum was certainly with the Rovers at this stage and two splendid points from Paudie Kissane from out near the sideline were followed by points from James Murphy (three) and Christopher Buckley to race into a 0-18 to 1-9 lead with five minutes remaining.
Ballygiblin to their credit refused to panic. Dave Moher had a quick point from a free before they were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute that saw Dave Moher's effort go narrowly over the crossbar for a point.
However, there was no denying Clyda Rovers their win with Padraigh O'Mullane completing the scoring with a late point to ensure a semi final meeting against Castletownroche.
