Freshford see off Bennettsbridge to make Junior B Hurling Final

St Lachtain’s recorded a single point victory over Bennettsbridge in a well contested Junior B semi-final at Danesfort on Sunday evening.

In a game that was well competitive throughout, St Lachtain’s were not deterred playing into a strong second half wind, and took the spoils versus the Bridge team, who were B league winners a few months back.

A point 20 minutes into the second half by Bennettsbridge top performer William Murphy had left them three points clear, 1-14 to 0-14, but the Freshford outfit gained momentum towards the finish, where they outscored their opponents 0-6 to 0-2.

The game was close all through with both sides having dominant spells. A sequence of three unanswered points by William Murphy (2) and Jack Campion had Bennettsbridge 0-8 to 0-4 ahead after 15 minutes. A similar four-point spell by Philip Campion, Alan Rafter (free) and two fine points by Jordan Burke levelled matters by the 25th minute.

At the interval, the Bridge led by a point, 0-10 to 0-9.

Having played against the wind, it appeared that Bennettsbridge might struggle in the second half.

The happenings in a three-minute spell midway through made this seem even more likely.

Alan Rafter had a St Lachtain’s penalty well saved by Jack Forristal, and the ’Bridge replied with a goal following a good attacking move led by Ivan Kelly (1-13 to 0-12).

However, the Freshford outfit finished the stronger and will now play neighbouring club Threecastles in an eagerly awaited County Junior B final.

St Lachtain’s - Robbie Dowling, Jack Hickey, Lachtain Kennedy, Cian Leahy, Johnny Bowden, Jerry Bergin, Shane Dawson (0-1) Conor Dalton (0-2) Cian Dawson (0-2), Noel McGree, Alan Rafter (0-8, 0-5 frees), Matthew Durnan (0-1), James O’Connor, Jordan Burke (0-4), Philip Campion (0-2).

Subs: John Campion for Philip Campion, Luke Phelan, Cathal Bowden, Jimmy Cantrell, Declan Killeen, Jack Whitby, Caitlin McCabe.

Bennettsbridge - Jack Forristal, Sam O’Dwyer, Shane Byrne (0-1), Kyle Ryan, Luke Dowling, Michael Shiel, Ivan Kelly (1-0), Kevin Brennan, William Murphy (captain, 0-11, 0-5 frees), Stephen Holden, Aidan Cleere, Harry Murphy (0-2), Sean O’Connor, Jack Campion (0-2), Bill Nolan.

Subs: Paddy Walsh for Stephen Holden, Laurence Mahon for Sam Dwyer, Brian Lennon, Joe Hughes, Gearoid Kent.

Referee – Sean McMahon (Erin’s Own).