County Senior Hurling Championship Round 2

Na Piarsaigh 1-10 Bride Rovers 0-10

There was disappointment for the Rovers in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night, as the concession of an early goal once again proved costly, and despite a strong second half performance, Na Piarsaigh emerged victorious.

A goal in the opening minutes from from Padraig Gould proved to be the match winning goal for Na Piarsaigh, as they held this advantage all the way to end. The Northsiders dictated the early passages of play and raced into a 1-3 to  0-2 lead after fifteen minutes, and were good value for this lead. David Burke with two points from play and Barry Johnson from frees along with the Rovers' best player of the half, Michael Collins, kept the Rovers in it till half half tme with the score reading 1-5 to 0-5.

The second half began with Na Piarsaigh increasing the lead to 1-8 to 0-6, but it was noticeable that the Rovers were coming to grips with them, and Aidan Collins, Liam Forde Brian & Barry Murphy were hurling superbly, and begining to take the game to Na Piarsaigh. Points from substitute Colm O Keeffe and a free from Barry Johnson, narrowed the gap, and with 55 minutes on the clock the Rovers were pushing for that elusive goal. The last 5 minutes we were camped in the Na Piarsaigh goalmouth, but lady luck shone on the Na Piarsaigh backs, as a few goal line clearances were required to see off our challenge. It was a huge disappointment having played well, but the early goal, as was the case against Erin's Own, proved so so costly.

Full credit to the team for another rousing encounter and let's hope we can make it the next time. 

Round 3, pencilled in for week ending July 1st, is our last chance to make the Championship cut. Blackrock, Cloyne and the losers of Bishopstown/Glen Rovers along with ourselves will be in the hat for that draw.