Hazelwood Heroics See Off Rathkeale Challenge
Hazelwood College 5-12
Rathkeale 0-4
Hazelwood College unexpectedly eased to victory against an experienced Rathkeale side on Monday, 4th February last, winning by a convincing margin of twenty three points. Hazelwood faced Rathkeale in the Second Year County Limerick Vocational Educational Committee Competition. Hazelwood took an early lead, based on the skill of their forward lines and the steady supply coming up the field. Rathkeale pressed hard to get into the game but the half back line of Evan Coleman, Gearoid Mathews and William Enright prevented them from doing so. The midfield of Anthony Barrett and Donal Molyneaux dominated possession with their advantage in height and strength. Stephen Coughlan managed the Rathkeale attacks on his goal line with skill and efficiency. Despite a strong cross wind that had a major influence on play, Hazelwood motored on and continued to control the flow of play. The Rathkeale defence found no answer to the co-ordination and natural skill of full forward Dean Collins, who netted a fine effort into the top right corner from the twenty one yard line along with a string of fine points. A stunning solo effort from Cahill Finn saw him score an inspirational point from the full back line. Throughout the first half Hazelwood did not let up on the gas, going in at half time with a more than healthy lead of nineteen points.
Hazelwood continued to press early in the second half. Again the defence were water tight at the back only conceding three points in the thirty minute half.
Rathkeale mounted a fight back at the start of the second half, securing three points, before Hazelwood managed to reassert control. Dean Collins showed his dominance in the centre of attack by scoring some eye catching scores. Half forward Jack O’ Sullivan also showed some skill on the ball and accuracy with frees. Donal Molyneaux and Anthony Barrett, in midfield, acted to clear Rathkeale puck outs. While the score line indicates the level of Hazelwood dominance, on the day, they are sure to face tougher challenges in the upcoming games.