Douglas 2-20 Sarsfields 2-23
Sarsfields produced a much-improved second half to defeat Douglas in a thrilling Rebel Óg Premier 1 MHC clash at Douglas.
Both teams produced quality hurling but Sars pushed on when the game hung in the balance to set up a semi-final with St Colman’s. The city side will face Midleton, who topped the other group.
There were quality hurlers on both sides but the haul of 1-9 for Sars attacker Adam Dunlea was key as was the stunning 0-6 from play clipped by the stylish Tom Huggins, who is U16.
The opening exchanges saw both teams produce some wonderful expansive hurling, four points shared in the space of three minutes.
Douglas went into the game minus three key players, including former Cork minor Jack O’Brien, but their strength in depth, coupled with the performances of key players Mark O’Brien, James Naughton (0-5 from play) and goalscorer Ciaran Fitzgerald, meant they kept it tight.
Douglas’ Liam Kelleher battles with Sarsfields’ Harry Cogan and Adam Leahy, during their Rebel Óg Premier 1 MHC clash at Douglas. Picture: David Keane.
Huggins had Sars up by the minimum in the 18th minute. The teams were level on six occasions before Douglas raised a green flag. A fast-flowing move saw the sliotar reach Fitzgerald and his electrifying pace burned off the Sars defenders before a stunning goal.
The hosts went in at the break commanding a four-point lead, 1-12 to 0-11, and on the restart, we were treated to some smashing hurling.
Sarsfields’ Adam Leahy wins possession ahead of Douglas’ James Gordon. Picture: David Keane.
O’Brien landed a classy point after just two minutes before Sars goaled. A high ball towards the square was caught by Cormac Fennessy and he billowed the back of the net from close range.
Huggins, after getting starved of possession in the first half, was to fore from here and struck his second point in the 38th minute to kickstart a Sars revival. A minute later, Man of the Match Dunlea produced a stunning goal that gave his team the confidence to take control.
From there, Sars never looked back and were full value for the win.
Douglas did score a late consolation goal from the stick of Liam O’Callaghan, but it was too little, too late.
Still, with both teams qualified from the group, there is every chance they may clash again in the final.
Scorers for Douglas: M O’Brien 0-10 (0-6 f, 0-1 65, 0-1 sl), C Fitzgerald 1-2, J Naughton 0-5, L O’Callaghan 1-2, O Doherty 0-1.
Sarsfields: A Dunlea 1-9 (0-7 f), T Huggins 0-6, C Fennessy 1-2, H Cogan 0-2, F O’Connor, A Leahy, E Considine, B O’Mahony 0-1 each.
DOUGLAS: N Duane; A Reidy, J Mouret, O Doherty; J O’Donovan, L Kelleher, J Gordon; S O’Keeffe, A Kelly; W Banks, M O’Brien, L O’Callaghan; C Fitzgerald, C Hallahan, J Naughton.
Subs: T Murray for O Doherty (46), D Barry for A Kelly (50).
SARSFIELDS: F O’Donovan; T O’Flynn, K Murphy, J Tierney; E Considine, R Higgins, M Hurley; C Condon, S Heehan; H Cogan, A Dunlea, C Fennessy; T Huggins, F O’Connor, A Leahy.
Subs: C Galvin for A Leahy (h-t), B O’Mahony for C Fennessy (38).
Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).