INTERMEDIATE HURLING: Our Intermediate Hurlers travelled to Portlaw this evening to play Eirn's Own in their opening game in this years Championship, and following a good game of hurling the Villagers ran out 4 points winners on a scoreline of 1-14 to -13pts. Going into tonights game, Ferrybank were short of players through injuries, while 1 or 2 had to pass late fitness tests. This was a fully deserved win for the team, and with a bit more luck in front of goal could have ran out comfortable winners. Conditions on the pitch was very soft, which resulted in players slipping. Sam Lawless opening the scoring on the night with a well taken score from the wing, but Eirns own responded with 3 scores on the trot to put them 2 points clear. Sam repied with another score to reduce the deficit, but two frees from Eirns Own extended their lead to three points after 15 minutes. The only goal of the game arrived in the 16th minute when good play from Paul Martin fed Mark O' Brien who high ball was superbly caught by Sam who turned the full back and buried the ball into the back of the net to tied up the game. Points were exchanged with Cormac Heffernan putting over two fine scores. Just before half time, Ferrybank up the tempo with good scores from Cormac O' Driscoll(2), and Mark O' Brien to put Ferrybank 1-7 to -8pts up at the half way stage.
In the second half Ferrybank dominated the opening stages, playing some good hurling and extended the lead to four points with Cormac O' Driscoll and Mark O' Brien pointing. Sam Lawless had a goal chance, but his effort was saved by the Eirns Own Goalkeeper. Paul Martin slotted over an excellent score from the wing to extend the lead to five minutes. Two frees in quick succession from Eirns own reduced the gap to a goal. Eoin O' Neill pointed a good score in the final 10 minutes to put Ferrybank 4pts clear, but Eirns Own reduced the gap with two points. Entering the final five minutes, Ferrybank held their nerve and kept working hard and Sam again pointed a super point to keep Eirns Own at bay. Eirns Own keep coming at Ferrybank, but credit to the defence as they stayed strong and refuse to give anything silly away. Late points from Phil Blake and Damien Heffernan extended the lead to four points, and that how it remained when the final whistle went. Overall this was an excellent win for the team, fully deserved,with everyone playing their part in this win, despite been short a few players, and no doubt the selectors would have been delighted with their work ethic throughout the game. This win should give the team confidence for their next game, which is against Mt Sion on Saturday May 12th at 4pm in Walsh Park. Thanks to all who came along and supported the team on the night. TEAM: Sean Flynn, Pat O' Neill, Chris Hoban, Conor Hogan, Damien Heffernan(-1), Andrew Heffernan, Damien Ahern, Phil Blake(-1), Cormac O' Driscoll(-3), Mark O' Brien(-2), Eoin O' Neill(-1), Paul Martin (-1), Seamus Burchill, Cormac Heffernan(-2), Sam Lawless(1-3). Mark Russell, Greg Kinsella, Eric Corcoran, Greg Murphy, Kevin Hurley, Tommy Carew.
