Antrim Minor B Hurling Championship, Semi-Final
Lámh Dhearg 2-26-2-13 Davitts
Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown
A convincing second half display saw Lámh Dhearg turn things around and book their place in the All County Minor B Hurling Final after running out 2-26-2-13 winners over Davitt’s at Hannahstown on Sunday afternoon.
The sides cancelled each other out in the early exchanges with Daniel Mulholland’s opener replied to by Sean Og Smyth from play.
A converted Matthew Murray free would edge the hosts in front again ahead of Daire Melady responding from the placed ball.
Both free-takers traded further scores before Davitt’s found themselves in the ascendancy through points from Ethan Hughes and Smyth.
Murray clipped over his second free of the half before the Beechmount outfit struck the games opening goal when Sean Og Smyth powered a shot past Caoimhin Thompson to make it 1-5-0-4.
They extended their lead briefly through a Daire Melady free, with Cillian Baker swinging over a reply.
Lámhs talisman Matthew Murray added to his personal tally with another two frees and Oran Agnew added a further point to reduce arrears to the bare minimum (1-6-0-8).
A Daire Melady free doubled Davitt’s advantage and a fantastic strike from Aidan Downey had the visitors 2-7-0-8 in front with the break fast approaching.
Just before the first half concluded Cillian Baker and Dylan Quinn chipped in with points to reduce the deficit at the halfway point (2-7-0-10).
Lámh Dhearg started the second period brightly as Matthew Murray landed his fifth free of the contest and Daniel Mulholland added another from play.
Daire Melady replied from the placed ball before the Hannahstown men stole a slender march in proceedings.
Dylan Quinn lined up a shot that appeared to be heading over for a point before the ball dropped over Padraig Walsh and into the net to make it 1-12-2-8.
Parity was restored twice in the aftermath through Melady converted frees, but Oran Agnew and Daniel Mulholland were on hand on both occasions to see their side ahead.
Mulholland’s fourth point of the day doubled his side’s advantage and things got better when Matthew Murray finished to the net and made it 2-15-2-10.
Further points from Dylan Quinn and Matthew Murray saw daylight begin to open up, though Sean Og Smyth twice pointed in between a Matthew Murray effort to ensure Davitts remained in touch going down the stretch (2-18-2-12).
The hosts stretched their lead with three scores on the spin, Cillian Baker landed his third of the afternoon, whilst Matthew Murray added another from play alongside Daniel Mulholland.
A final Davitts score came courtesy of a Daire Melady free in the 53rd minute, as Matthew Murray converted two further frees and Daniel Mulholland another three from play before the game was concluded.
Substitute Karl O’Hara was issued with a red card late on but it had little bearing as Declan McLarnon sounded his final whistle shortly after as the Hannahstown natives booked their place in the decider in a fortnights time.
For mote photos from the game, click into the link below
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