ACHL Division 4
St’Paul’s II 1-04 Loch Mór Dal gCais 1-14
With this being Loch Mór’s last game before the split it was inevitable there we’re going to be some nerves on a hot, dry night on the Shaw’s Road away to St’Paul’s. There wasn’t a breath in the air and St’Paul’s were certainly left breathless as the ball broke to Darragh Turley straight from the throw in and he confidently and comfortably slotted over for the first score of the game with barely 30 seconds on the clock. As an impressive a start to a game all season by Loch Mor and they maintained that intensity as they continually pressed St’Paul’s in possession and moved the ball quickly and with intent. That pressure was sustained and Loch Mór made the most of it with Mathew Jones, Cormac Dwyer and Darragh Turley pointing from play. It was midway through the first half when a great ball was played into the 21 and gathered neatly by Declan Phillips. Skilfully striking on the turn the sliotar flew past the keeper and rippled the back of the net to put Loch Mór comfortably in the driving seat.
Whether it was complacency or a few of those nerves creeping in on Loch Mór’s part but St’Pauls, who weren’t without their danger men, slowly clawed their way back into the game. Some unforced errors and intercepted passes resulted in St’Paul’s racking up a few points from play and a goal form a free on the 20 gave them a major boost. Loch Mór responded and the lads went in at the break with 5 points to spare.
This has been a tough season so far and Loch Mór are not without their war wounds. It’s testament to how far this team and this club has progressed that they were able to call on their squad of dedicated players ready and willing to fill in for injured teammates. Reece McDonnell got his first start of the season and put in a solid performance in the full forward line.
The lads regrouped at half time and started the second half at a blistering pace. Cormac Dwyer, who was in talismanic form, on Wednesday night was simply unstoppable. Turning the ball over on our 21 and bursting forward at breakneck speed, playing a lovely one-two in the middle of the field and casually splitting the posts was most definitely the score of the match. Loch Mór weren’t content with that though and several points were to follow. Three more from Darragh Turley, two from Cormac Dwyer and one from Mathew Jones, who was on top form again, rounded off a convincing win that all but nails Loch Mór to the top half of the table. A great game of hurling and an inspiring performance that wraps up this this half of the league.
Loch Mor Scorers
Darragh Turley 0-8
Cormac Dwyer 0-4
Declan Phillips 1-0
Mathew Jones 0-2