Graigue-Ballycallan played St. Lachtain’s of Freshford in the second round of the Intermediate hurling league last Saturday night in Palmerstown. In monsoon-like conditions, GBC played with a gale at their backs in the first half. Seven minutes in, St. Lachtain’s broke through the GBC defence for a goal. Brian Kennedy was imposing at centre back for St. Lachtain’s, limiting the supply to GBC’s full forward line. Points from James Ryall (2), Adrian Bourke, Billy Ryan and five pointed frees, left the half-time score GBC 0-9, St. Lachtain’s 1-4.
Only three minutes into the second half GBC conceded a second goal and their task was daunting. GBC’s half back line stormed into the game at this point and Niall Millea’s accuracy from frees kept them in touch. Eddie Brennan and James Smith added a point each from play, leaving the full time score GBC 0-17, St. Lachtain’s 2-11.
GBC’s fighting spirit in the second half earned them a deserved draw and seventy minutes with that kind of form would be hard to beat.
GBC: PJ Trant, E Corcoran, J Murphy, J Cleere, D Ryall, G Teehan, S Butler, A Bourke (0-1), J Ryall (0-2), C Murphy (0-4 fs), N Millea (0-7 fs), W O’Connor, E Brennan (0-1), G Cleere, B Ryan (0-1) Subs: J Smith (0-1), John Purcell.