ACHL Division 3
St Mary’s Rasharkin 2-13 Na Magha 0-05
As was the norm at most games played on the first day of the Antrim hurling leagues, the cold wind and intermitting driving rain made playing conditions difficult but it was St. Mary’s Rasharkin who coped best with the conditions to collect both points.
Rasharkin Playingwith a strong breeze in the first half took the initiative with Eamon McNeill leading the way with five points and Shane Hasson hitting two but visitors Na magha looked well placed as they struck three points into the driving wind.
The introduction of Conor Hasson just before half time seemed to settle the Dreen side and they went on to lead 0-7 to 0-3 at the break but given the strength of the breeze they still looked to have plenty to do in the second half.
The visitors were first to score on the restart but that early point was quickly cancelled by a similar score from Declan McKay. When Derry side struck again in the 10th minute to close the gap to three points it looked like we had a game on our hands but it was to prove their last score of the game.
St. Mary’s began to take control with Eamon McNeill edging them four ahead and it took an excellent save from the Na Magha net minder to keep his side in the game as rasharkin began to turn the screw
The opening goal was not long coming however as half back Aidan McKeever sent a good ball into Aidan Darragh who slipped Emmett McFerran and he made no mistake. Eamon McNeill added three points (2 frees) and Rasharkin’s star performer on the day took an astute diagonal pass from Conor McFerran to fire to the net and end the game as a contest.
McNeill had the game’s final score with a point from a free to cap a fine individual performance and the home side will be well satisfied with their day’s work. In what was a good overall team performance, best in a steady defence were Liam Tunney, Daniel Doherty and Aidan McKeever who drove their team forward at every opportunity.
Declan McKay and Emmett McFerran both chipped in with scores from midfield and were influential throughout while Shane Hasson, Conor Hasson and Eamon McNeill (with 1-10) were best in a forward line who really came to life in the second half.
Team: Brian Og O’Neill, Conaire Donaghy, Daniel Doherty, Liam Tunney, Aidan McKeever, Brendan McMullan, Tiernan O’Boyle, Emmett McFerran, Declan McKay, Shane Hasson, Conor McFerran, Jack Quinn, Martin McKeague, Brendan Kelly, Eamon McNeill.
Subs: Conor Hasson for Jack Quinn, Aidan Darragh for Martin McKeague , Daniel McGurk for Brendan Kelly, Jack Quinn for Shane Hasson.
Referee: Paul O’Neill (Creggan)