Impressive SBK come out on top after very entertaining final

SBK 1-20

ST RYNAGH'S 1-11

SBK came out on top in a great tussle between two fantastic minor hurling teams and thus brought us, without doubt, one of the best and most entertaining games of the season at any age level in the Offaly Minor Hurling Final at Glenisk O'Connor Park on Sunday.

A really enjoyable final saw SBK come out on top by nine points in difficult conditions and they did so deservedly to capture the title.

Both sides started brightly, attempting to play nice slick hurling in difficult wet conditions. They both exchanged scores early on as SBK got the game's opening score thanks to a '65' from centre back Gearoid Maher, before Aaron Molloy sent over two fine scores for St Rynagh's, with Fionn Carney sending over his first point of the game.

Some of the early points were very impressively taken as was the tackling, speed and saves, with James O’Sullivan landing a monster point from long range, before Michael Boylan bore down on goal with his batted effort being stopped by Matt Watkins in the nets.

Aaron Molloy was causing havoc for the SBK defence as he was running constantly at them and as well his free taking was on point, with Darragh Scully also showing early promise with four frees on the bounce including an expertly taken '65' on a wet surface. This allowed Rynagh's to steer into the lead for the first time as they led 0-6 to 0-4 after 18 minutes.

The St Rynagh's back line was holding up well as Fionn Carney’s effort on goal was hooked, but SBK kept pushing and reaped rewards with James Morkan and a free from Gearoid Maher brought them back on level terms.

SBK were showing great hunger and none more so than joint captain Gearoid Maher as he rushed onto a loose ball before gaining yards to punish St Rynagh's with an excellent point from 60 yards out.

The stick work from SBK was a joy to watch, with James Sampson finishing off a lovely build up move between Rob Carney and Liam O’Riordon to leave them two points up approaching half time, which was then extended to three thanks to Fionn Carney.

James Morkan made it a four point game as half time couldn’t come quick enough for Rynagh's, who almost made it a one point game with Boylan once again stopped by Watkins for a goal and with that SBK led 0-10 to 0-6 at half time.

Second half began with the same intent as the first with Liam O’Riordan getting the half’s opening two points from a free and play and SBK were beginning to put some distance between the sides. Darragh Scully sent over St Rynagh's first score of the half through a free, with Gearoid Maher landing another '65' moments later.

SBK were now defending in packs as they refused to let St Rynagh's anywhere near their goal area, forcing them to instead take their points with Ivan Grant sending over his opening score of the day, with SBK leading by five after 42 minutes.

Leon Reams at full back was beginning to dominate in the full back line, with multiple hooks and blocks stopping the opposition in their tracks.

A lowly projected free taken by Scully found its way into the path of Grant whose effort was stopped once again by Watkins in goals, who was having a heroic day, with SBK’s dirty work coming to work as James Sampson sent over a well worked point followed shortly afterwards by another long range free from Gearoid Maher

Fionn Carney had his attempt at goal then saved by Eanna Mulhare in the Rynagh's goal, but that man again Gearoid Maher made no mistake with his '65' and extended their lead to seven with just under 10 minutes left.

Things got much harder for St Rynagh's as SBK had victory in their sights as Liam O’Riordan’s effort was well saved by Mulhare but Aaron O’Toole was on hand to bat in the rebound from close range to cue the roar from the SBK crowd, leaving it 1-16 to 0-10, but Rynagh's were given a lifeline as Gearoid Maher received a second yellow card and they were reduced to 14 men.

And they took it with open arms as Darragh Scully bore down on goal before finally beating Watkins in goal with a powerful strike to leave six points in it coming towards the end of the game.

James Morkan added to his tally to make it 0-3 for him on the day and make it a seven point lead as SBK continued to win dirty ball in the half back line, and turning over possession which resulted in Fionn Carney making it an eight point game.

Rob Carney and Darragh Phelan both capped off fine individual displays, both from wing back with tremendous effort from distance and making the result in no doubt as SBK secured a first minor since 2013 on a scoreline of 1-20 to 1-11.

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

GEROID MAHER (SBK): SBK had a whole load of terrific performances. Liam O’Riordan had an excellent second half, James Morkan had his shooting boots on, Fionn Carney was constantly dangerous and Matt Wakins pulled off some marvellous saves in the nets. Their half and full back line and midfield were also top class. St Rynagh’s Darragh Scully and Aaron Molloy deserve honourable mentions for their efforts in the game.

However, Gearoid Maher was on another level in this game. Despite a late second yellow, you can’t look past his overall game. Commanding at the back, he read the name expertly, his free taking was excellent and was the difference with 0-6 in the end.

THE SCORERS

SBK: Geroid Maher (0-6, 0-2 frees, 0-3 '65s'); Fionn Carney (0-4); James Morkan (0-3); Aaron O’Toole (1-0); Liam O’Riordon (0-1 free) and James Sampson (0-2 each); James O’Sullivan, Rob Carney and Darragh Phelan (0-1 each).

St Rynagh's: Darragh Scully (1-5, 0-4 frees, 0-1 '65'); Aaron Molloy (0-5, 0-2 frees) and Ivan Grant (0-1).

THE TEAMS

SBK: Matt Watkins; Paul Simpson, Leon Reams, Sam Younge; Rob Carney, Gearoid Maher (JC), Darragh Phelan; James O’Sullivan, James Sampson; James Morkan, Fionn Carney, Jason Dockery; Ben Younge, Aaron O’Toole, Liam O’Riordan (JC). Subs: Ronan Dockery (for Younge, 58 mins) Killian Curtis (for O’Toole, 61 mins) .

ST RYNAGH'S: Eanna Mulhare; Brooklyn MacDermott, Daire Daly, Kian Costello; Sean Lyons, Paul Cannon, Callum Moore; Niall Flannery, Daniel Healy; Harry Grant, Aaron Molloy, Shay Kavanagh; Ivan Grant, Michael Boylan, Darragh Scully. Subs: Kevin O’Connell (for Mc Dermott, 49 mins).

REFEREE – Joey Deehan.

REFEREE WATCH

Joey Deehan refereed the game to a good standard. The game was played in good spirits with no dirty strokes pulled. Perhaps harsh for Maher’s second yellow, but overall a good display.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Not the game's best score but the one that all but made victory inevitable, thanks to Aaron O’Toole’s 53rd minute goal, it opened it up a nine point gap and assured the win for SBK.

VENUE WATCH

Glenisk O’Connor Park was the chosen venue which was initially meant to be St Brendan’s Park, and to its credit it held up well given the weather we’ve recently had and the game was able to flow to a great extent.

WHAT'S NEXT

The season is now over for both teams with SBK crowned champions.

STATISTICS

Wides: SBK 4 (2 in the first half, 2 in the second half) St Rynagh's 7 (3 in the first half, 4 the second half)

Yellow cards: SBK 2 (Gearoid Maher x 2) St Rynagh's 0

Red cards: SBK 1 (Gearoid Maher, second yellow) St Rynagh's 0.