Hazelwood College into Munster A Quarter Final.
Hazelwood College 5-10
Borrisokane (Tipperary) 2-17
Hazelwood College are through to the Munster Quarter-final after a dramatic comeback against Borrisokane in Doon last Thursday. Hazelwood struggled in the first half against what was a strong breeze and were lucky to be only down 6 points at half time. The score line at half-time read 2-2 to 1-11, Jamie Coughlan at half forward accounting for all hazelwood’s scores. One of his points was from a placed ball and the other from play. Both goals were outstanding efforts, the sliothar rifled to the net after solo runs from his wing through the centre. Given the breeze, the six point deficit though daunting was still manageable for Hazelwood. The start of the second half was nothing short of a disaster for them, Borrisokane scoring 1-1 without reply to leave Hazelwood 10 points down. Peter Irwin responded with a score from a huge free only for Borrisokane to reply with one of their own, leaving Hazelwood down 10 with 20 minutes remaining and the game seemingly out of sight. It was young Gerry lane who sparked the fight back, first with a point then a well taken goal after combining with Jamie Coughlan. Kieran Morrissey not to out done by his Newtownshandrum club mates, followed suit with an excellent goal. In the space of 5 minutes Hazelwood had reduced the lead from 10 points to just 3, Borrisokane were rattled and this lead to little bit of luck needed when a long ball delivered by the excellent Seamus Sheehan from midfield found its way to the net. The game was now a draw with 15 minutes remaining. Peter Irwin then landed another massive free to put Hazelwood into the lead for the first time. Borrisokane, however were not finished yet and drew level. In the next ten minutes Hazelwood went one up on three separate occasions through peter Irwin and Jamie Coughlan twice only for Borisokane to draw level again. Peter Irwin scored again with 5 minutes remaining to put one point between the teams once again, this time however Hazelwood added a second to put a some daylight between the teams. Kieran Morrissey burnt his man for pace and scored a most important point from 45 yards out. The drama was not over, in the last minute Borrisokane won a 21 yard free. They went for goal but Michael Linehan, who had been outstanding between the posts throughout once again saved and the referee blew the final whistle once the sliothar was cleared from the danger area. Hazelwood are now through to the quarter final against St. Brogan’s of Bandon at 3 0’Clock,wedenesday Feb 27th the venue is yet to be decided. The outstanding character and skill which were shown for the last 20 minutes, will have be on show for the whole game if Hazelwood are to advance to the semi-final.
Team and scorers:
M. Linehan, P. Cantillion, T. O’Flynn, L.Clarson, B. Hannigan, P.Cunningham, C.Moxey, S.Sheehan(1-0) P.Irwin(0-4), I.Carroll, P.Sheehy, J.Coughlan(2-4), G.Lane(1-1), K.Lacey,G.Sexton Subs:K.Morrissey(1-1),S.Watson, D.Egan, P.Hassett, P.Jewitt, T.O’Carroll, J.O’Gorman, K.Coughlan, M.Nolan.
