ACJHC - Kickhams Vs Cushendun

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

All County Junior Hurling Championship
14 August 2011

Kickhams Creggan 4-16
Cushendun 0-10

The senior hurlers had a great win on Sunday evening against the Div 3 team Cushendun by 4-16 to 10 points.

The team started off the game in great fashion with high levels of intensity all over the pitch. Some good scores from Oran McCann, Aidan McKeown, Matthew Nelson and Conor McCann settled the lads and we were soon 9 pts to 3 pts up. The main turning point in the game was when we scored 3 goals in quick succession in the 10 minutes before half time, two coming from rasping finishes from Conor and one from a penalty from Thomas McCann. Half time score 3-9 to 3 pts

In the second half Cushendun came out of the blocks a lot sharper, however they couldn't match the workrate of the Kickhams men who looked as if they had another gear if it had been required. 

Cushendun had a man sent off early in the second half which meant that the game was effectively played out fairly comfortably for the remainder of the second half.  Unfortunately our captain Niall Robb had to go off shortly after half time with a knee ligament injury which means he is doubtful for the next game but Chrissy Murray came in and held the fort steadily.

The defending that took place all over then pitch was the key to the success with the forwards' tackling in particular setting the tone for a good defensive performance.

As has been the case all season Oran and Conor impressed greatly throughout, the half forward line of Gerry, Aidan and Oran in particular showing for puck outs very well. 

Midfield were on top throughout with Sam and Oliver getting through a mountain of hard work which set us on a strong platform to succeed. 

The return to the team of Martin Johnson was a great bonus as he turned in a strong performance at wing half back along with Thomas and Aidan Maguire who controlled the game, a particular feature was accurate distribution from the the half back line to the forwards. 

We are a very speedy team and that augurs well for the remaining games. However this is only the beginning of the road to the final, the next game against Ballymena will be much more physical and will be more of a normal championship encounter.  

We at last have real competition for places on this team with some of the lads returning for the next game which is a good place to be, we do need to continue to keep the intensity levels high in training and capitalise on this good start. But in summary this was a good start so well done lads!

Kickhams Team: Stephen Colgan, Dominic Totten, Niall Robb (Chris Murray), Enda Maguire, Aidan Maguire, Thomas McCann, Martin Johnson, Sam Maguire, Oliver Duffin, Gerard McLarnon, Aidan McKeown, Oran McCann, Matthew Nelson (Frank McAuley), Conor McCann, James Dougan