Kickhams advance to final of Crosco Cup in west Tipperary

Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams 1-17 Cappawhite 0-16

Cormac Carr’s first half goal proved the difference between the teams as Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams got the better of Cappawhite in Annacarty to book a place in the Bertie’s Bar Crosco Cup West Tipperary Hurling final.

Elliott Thompson had the opening score for Kickhams in the first minute.

The opening exchanges saw free takers Dara McCarthy and Davy Butler to the fore, with referee Richie O’Connor punishing too many steps taken, along with the thrown pass.

McCarthy edged his side 0-3 to 0-1 ahead, only for Butler to level at three each after eight minutes.

Midway through the half Kickhams suffered the loss of Ben Ryan to injury and he was replaced by Pa Ryan.

By the 20th minute McCarthy had edged Cappawhite two points in front before Kevin Stapleton made it three with their first score from play.

However, a minute later, following a mix-up in the Cappawhite defence, Cormac Carr grabbed the game’s only goal to level the scores.

McCarthy was again to the fore in keeping Cappawhite in touch. However, Kickhams finished the half stronger with points from Walter O’Carroll and a long range free from goalkeeper Jack Breen to lead 1-8 to 0-9 at the break.

Cappawhite started the second half better, outscoring Kickhams four points to one by the fifth minute, with McCarthy to the fore from placed balls while Tom Treacy’s point, just a second from play from Cappawhite, tied the encounter at 1-9 to 0-12.

The game remained close but free-ridden. Davy Butler restored Kickhams’ lead with three pointed frees in a row. Entering the final quarter Kickhams held a two-point advantage, 1-12 to 0-13.

The final quarter saw Kickhams hold that advantage and respond each time to a Cappawhite score.

Sean Ryan (W) cut the deficit from a free but Elliott Thompson replied with his third to restore the two-point advantage.
When Willie Barry again cut the lead back to one with eight minutes to play, there was a strong sense that extra-time might be on the cards.

But Kickhams found an extra gear to outscore Cappawhite 0-3 to no score in the remaining time.

Those points came from Butler, again from placed balls, and Elliott Thompson from play to ensure that Kickhams advanced to a final meeting with Cashel King Cormacs.

Scorers: Kickhams: Davy Butler (0-10 frees), Elliott Thompson (0-4), Cormac Carr (1-1), Walter O’Carroll (0-1), Jack Breen (0-1 free).

Cappawhite: Dara McCarthy (0-10 frees), Rian Doody (0-1 free), Kevin Stapleton (0-1), Tom Treacy (0-1), Sean Ryan W (0-1 free), Daire Duggan (0-1), Willie Barry (0-1).

Kickhams: Jack Breen, Barry McCarthy, Paudie O’Carroll, Diarmuid Kinane, Sean Farrell, Jamie Duncan, Lorcan Carr, Conor Farrell, Paudie Slattery, Walter O’Carroll, Daniel Lonergan, Elliott Thompson, Cormac Carr, Davy Butler, Ben Ryan.

Subs used: Pa Ryan, Sean Cannon.

Cappawhite: Ryan Renehan, Colm O’Dwyer, Philip Gantley, Tommy Costello, Kevin Stapleton, Sean Ryan (W), Brendan Murphy, Rian Doody, Conor Gantley, Tom Treacy, David Buckley, Sam Carmody, Dara McCarthy, Anthony Barry, Willie Barry.

Subs used: Daire Duggan, Pakie Barry, Cian O’Carroll

.Referee: Richie O’Connor (Arravale Rovers).