Arklow Rocks
14 August, 2008
The senior hurlers overcame Arklow Rocks in Avondale on Thursday last in their first championship outing since their win over Kilcoole back on May 4th - more than 3 months ago. The lack of action was evident throughout the game as they shook off the effects of their summer hibernation and eventually ran out 4 point winners - 2:14 - 1:13. The presence of Liam Kenny, Bill Maher and Jackie Moorehouse in the full forward line was the difference between the teams as any time the ball hit the full forward line it caused trouble for the Arklow backs. Bray went 3 points up early in the game but Arklow kept in touch through frees from TJ Byrne who was accurate throughout the whole game. However 2 Liam Kenny goals kept a bit of daylight between the teams at half time.
Bray raced in to a 9 point lead ten minutes into the second half, but Arklow suddenly upped the ante and when they scored a goal with ten minutes to go it left just 2 points between the teams. Former Emmets player, Dermot Heffernan, had been introduced by Rocks and he had a major impact, scoring 4 points in that period, showing he has lost none of his renowned speed!
The lack of game time was telling in the middle section of the second half, and Emmets steadied the boat by reintroducing Eamonn Furlong, who had been injured, and both he and Liam Kenny scored the points in the last ten minutes that ensured victory.
The positives from the game were the spread of scores, with 5 of the 6 starting forwards and both midfielders scoring. The mature manner the team dealt with the Rocks' comeback, and getting our second championship win in a row - one more than in '07.
Team v Arklow: Paddy Millward; Danny Eglington; Colm Mac Eoin; Tadhg O Broin; Peter Walsh; Ronan O Brien; Paul Barry; Adrian Shanahan; Eoin Mason; Michael Priest; Eamonn Furlong; Lorcan Pratt; Bill Maher; Liam Kenny; Jackie Moorehouse; Subs: Gearóid Ó Murchú; Peter Kiely; Killian Foley; Mark Breen; David Haughton; Jordan Lee;
Carnew Emmets are next up on Tuesday and will provide a real litmus test as to this team's development over the past twelve months, and that game is followed quickly on Sunday next by the next round match against Kiltegan in Aughrim at 6:30. It's a busy time to be a hurler, especially after 3 months holidays.
