The Sarsfields Hurling Odyssey Continues

IHC A Semi-Final: Sarsfields 2-11 Naas 1-9

By Tony Ryan.

Sarsfields are now just one step away from achieving senior hurling status following their five point win over Naas in the IHC A semi-final in Donore on Saturday evening. Despite poor conditions after heavy showers earlier, both teams contributed to an enjoyable game with skilful hurling and some good passages of play throughout.
Naas opened their account after a minute with a fine point from centre half forward John Brennan. Shortly thereafter Sarsfields began to assert themselves and by the tenth minute had scored 1-4 without reply, the goal coming after a high ball in from Sarsfields’ top marksman James Carroll was batted down by full forward Denis O’Callaghan and pounced on by the alert half forward Danny Watson who shot to the net from 20metres despite the close proximity of a number of Naas defenders.
Sarsfields continued to dominate and with half time approaching they had stretched their lead, 1-9 to 0-4, were winning individual battles all over the pitch and looked like they would secure their passage to the final even before the break such was the influence they exerted at this juncture. However just as injury time approached, Naas midfielder Sheamie Barrett, against the run of play gave his side a badly needed boost when he struck from 25 metres to score the only goal of the game for Naas. Despite all of Sarsfields’ dominance and the possession that they enjoyed throughout the opening half, Naas only trailed by five at the break, 1-9 to 1-4.
After the resumption Naas as they did in the opening half, were first to score with Ross Bergin reducing the deficit with a free. Sarsfields replied with two excellent long range point from James Carroll before an even longer range point from half back Kevin Byrne kept Naas in touching distance leaving four between the sides, 1-11 to 1-7.at the midpoint of the second half. Then three minutes later came the decisive move and score of the game. Sarsfields full forward, Denis O’Callaghan took possession of the ball out on the ’40 and made and incisive run through the heart of the Nass defence before off loading the ball to the unmarked Mick Aherne who shot to the net from close range. This however was to be Sarsfields last score with twelve minutes remaining.
For the remainder of the game Sarsfields endured some sustained bouts of pressure as Naas attempted to salvage something from the game. In boxing parlance, Sarsfields were on the ropes but remained ahead on points. There were a couple of frantic goal mouth clearances by the Sarsfields defence and as Naas continued to press forward, some important interceptions by Sarsfields half backs Gary Hogan, David Breslin and Alan Barrett and Dermot Maguire in goal made some fine saves preventing Naas from capitalising on their spell of dominance. Naas did manage two points though from substitutes Sean Whelan and Ronan Joyce. In spite of their best efforts Naas were unable to engineer a goal that might have seen them turn the tide in their favour as the Sarsfields defence, with the prize of a final place within their grasp were not for yielding as the game wound down to its conclusion.

Sarsfields: Derek Maguire (Capt.), Niall O’Connor, Sean Clandillon, Conor O’Dwyer, Alan Barrett 0-1, David Roche, Gary Hogan 0-1, David Breslin, Tom Lawless, James Carroll 0-6, Enda Freaney. Danny Watson 1-0, Mick Aherne 1-1, Denis O’Callaghan 0-1, John Joyce 0-1..Subs: Frank Maguire for Enda Freaney (42 mins)

Naas: Brian Murnann, David Dunne, Conal Byrne, Noel O’Donoghue, Kevin Byrne 0-1, John Dowling, Declan O’Neill, Sheamie Barrett 1-0, Mark Nevin, Ross Bergin 0-1, John Brennan 0-1, Ross Traynor 0-3 , Peter Purcell, Paddy Brennan 0-1, Niall Stafford 0-1`Subs: Sean Whelan 0-1, Ronan Joyce 0-1.
Referee: Tim O’Sullivan, Celbridge.