12 November 2012
Naomh Eoin 3-17 Ruairi Og 2-06
Naomh Eoin minor hurlers warmed up for their tilt at retaining their Ulster crown next Sunday with a victory over Cushendall in the county league final. This completes another historic double for this squad of players, adding to the championship trophy already annexed.
The young Johnnies hit the front early in this one and looked to be in control after the Ruairi Og men conceded their first major on 6 minutes. Donal Carson, who was constant threat throughout, collected the sliothar 50 yards out, left his marker in his wake and lashed a great shot to the net from the edge of the square, giving the Cushendall custodian no chance and adding to his earlier point.
The Naomh Eoin pressure in the first 20 minutes was translated into a succession of frees as the pressure was piled on by Ciaran Johnson at centre back and the midfield pairing of Micheal Dudley and Donal Quinn. Padraig Nugent contributed 5 points during this period of dominance and showed he wasn't only on the pitch to take frees by dispatching a fine opportunist goal to the net on 18 minutes.
The St John's rearguard continued to subdue the Ruairi forwards to the break, limiting them to four points in the first 30, all 6 backs tackling like their lives depended on it. The Corrigan lads were to add a further goal and point prior to the half-time whistle, Conor Johnson contributing one of his customary batted finishes and Donal Carson firing over a point from a tight angle.
Half-time: Naomh Eoin 3-07 Ruairi Og 0-04
Cushendall battled hard to get back into the game in the early stages of the second half, tightening up on the Naomh Eoin danger men of the first half and posing a threat to the Johnnies goal in the process. Their second half tally of 2-02 might have gotten them closer but for the renewed focus of the other St John's forwards. Mick Bradley scored 2 points and the 2 Nugents, Conor Johnson and Donal Carson also registered scores.
This was another great team performance from the Naomh Eoin panel. The support play was first class throughout, with the speed of delivery into the forwards making it difficult for their opponents to get any foothold in the game. Two meaningful tests in the last fortnight, prior to the challenge of the Ulster series which will have sharpened things up considerably.
Thanks to Ballymena for hosting the game, on what was a first class playing surface for this time of year and also to referee Mark O’Neill for adding to the occasion by letting the game flow.
Final Score: Naomh Eoin 3-17 Ruairi Og 2-06
