Narrow victory for the Magpies

Sixmilebridge minor hurlers suffered an agonising one-point defeat to rivals Clarecastle on Friday evening. After a poor showing in their last outing, the ’Bridge were determined to get back to winning ways and burst out of the blocks to score 2-4 without reply.

Conor Deasy was in fine form, notching up 1-2 from play. Cathal Lynch then added a second goal after putting great pressure on the Clarecastle goalkeeper. However, Clarecastle fought back strongly and raised a green flag. The visitors added another three points in between an Alex Morey free and a fine score from Eoin Flynn to leave six between the sides heading towards half time. After Clarecastle stuck for a goal to make it a one-score game, the ’Bridge responded straight from the puck-out. Kevin Fenessey won possession and fired to the net to give the home side a seven-point lead at the half-way stage. It was an entertaining first half, with plenty of fine scores from both teams in superb conditions for hurling.

The second half began with Clarecastle hitting five points without reply including a wonder score from Clare minor Bobby Duggan. The ’Bridge needed a response to this spell of pressure and Deasy caught a puck-out and passed to Brian Corry, who ran though on goal. He shot powerfully to the bottom corner to leave the Clarecastle keeper with no chance. They went on to stretch their advantage to six points going into the final stages. In the remaining time, Duggan hit seven points, including one with almost the last puck of the game, to put Clarecastle in the lead for the first time in the match and secure them the points.