Graigue Ballycallan 2-23 Fenians 1-10
GBC and the Fenians played in the first round of the North Junior A hurling league in Tom Ryall Park on Saturday. The home side played with the wind in the first half and started well with 3 points from play from Gearoid Cleere, but despite the best efforts of the full forward line, the ball seemed determined to avoid the back of the net. However, a brace of points each from Gearoid Murphy, Willie O’Connor and Philly Cahill and a fourth from Gearoid Cleere from a free left GBC ahead by 13 points to 3 at half time.
Fenians opened the second half with a well worked goal and with the breeze strengthening, a comeback looked to be on the cards. The GBC defence however stuck well to their task, with Adrian Bourke, John Cleere and Dermot Ryall clearing their lines effectively. Ten minutes in, John Purcell beat the Fenians goalkeeper with a well placed shot to the top corner. Adrian Bourke added 3 long range points before Willie O’Connor scored a fine goal, having worked the ball in from the sideline. The final score read GBC 2-23, Fenians 1-10. Fitness may have been a key factor, as GBC appeared to improve as the game went on.
GBC: PJ Pollard, Mark Fitzpatrick, Dermot Ryall, Peter Boland, Adrian Bourke(0-3,2f) Shane Butler, John Cleere, Gearoid Murphy(0-2) Eoin Corcoran(0-1), Philly Cahill(0-2), James Smith, Willie O’Connor(1-3), Jason Dermody, Gearoid Cleere (0-7,1f), John Purcell(1-5). Subs: Philly Heafey, Johnny Dunne, Padharic Tynan.