CBS Mitchelstown Narrowly Lose Out to Hazlewood College
By Cathal Walsh, TY
The CBS Mitchelstown senior hurlers fell short by the narrowest of margins in Dromcolliher in the first round of the Munster Senior ‘C’ Hurling Championship against Hazelwood College on Wednesday the 10th of November. The CBS panel made the hour-long journey to Dromcolliher, county Limerick only to lose in a controversial fashion with a final score of 1:19 to 3:12.
The game was played in seasonally poor conditions, with much of the early stages being contested on ground with rucks breaking out all over the pitch. CBS took an early lead via points from forwards Evan Hickey and Padraig Harrington. Early on it became apparent that the referee was going to play a large role in the game, with Hazelwood’s only scores in the first half coming from frees. CBS had multiple goal chances thwarted by the excellent work of the Hazelwood goalkeeper as Hazelwood took the advantage of CBS’ missed opportunities to pull in front on a scoreline of 0:4 to 0:2. CBS regained the lead when full-forward Luke Keating won and scored a penalty, firing the ball into the top left-hand corner. A second goal by corner forward Evan Hickey followed by an exchange of points by Zach McCarthy, Luke Keating and the Dromcolliher free-taker, saw CBS ahead 2:7 to 0:9 at the break.
The second half commenced, and the momentum changed with CBS continuing to concede frees via a combination of questionable refereeing decisions and frivolous fouling by the CBS defenders. The Hazelwood centre forward capitalised expertly on these opportunities to narrow the CBS lead. The pressure mounted on Mitchelstown as they were unable to retain their puck-out. Hazelwood drew in front from a goal from their full forward, this drove CBS to make some tactical substitutions with Shane Looney and Cathal English being introduced while Dylan Sheehan was moved to full forward. Dylan acted as an outlet for longball from the CBS half back line and in hand created a series of scores bringing CBS back in the match. Despite substitute Cathal English’s incredible goal and two points, Hazelwood went on to win by a mere point leaving CBS regretting their missed opportunities in the first half and the sheer amount of points they conceded from placed balls. Final result, Hazelwood College 1:19 CBS Mitchelstown 3:12.
While this result saw CBS knocked out the Munster Championship, they still have the Cork competition to fall back on, and should lessons be learned from this match, the CBS should be in with a fighting change to excel going forward.
CBS Team
Michael Roche
Oisín Ryan Fenton, Conor McGrath, Seán Doherty
Pádraig Ó Flynn, Ryan Donegan, Charlie English
Stephen Kenneally, Conor Kent
Dylan Sheehan, Zach McCarthy 0,3, Pádraig Harrington 0,1
Mark Walsh, Luke Keating 1,4 3f, Evan Hickey 1,2
Subs used:
Cathal English 1,2, Shane Looney
CBS Senior soccer match vs St.Colman’s
By Callum Burke, TY
The local derby kicked off at 11am last Thursday on the impeccable pitch provided by Park United in Mitchelstown. It was a close game with St Colman’s eventually winning out on a scoreline of 2-1.
Both teams were fairly matched as the game began to progress. St.Colman’s struck first with an accurate free kick which nestled into the bottom corner. CBS upped their tempo now that they were in a trailing position with several chances that were unlucky not to be converted. Against the run of play, St.Colman’s netted on a second occasion from a “hail Mary” kick out from their goalkeeper resulting in a shot which was rebounded into the net. The CBS team were far from beaten at this point as they knew that they were dominating possession and still had a foothold in this game.
Finally, CBS converted their great play into a goal as Leon Murphy perfectly delivered a corner onto the head of Stephen Kenneally who left the keeper with very little chance. The CBS team continued to push for the equaliser and were matched by a solid St.Colman’s defensive unit.
On the stroke of half-time, Connor Shirkie was played through one on one with the St.Colman’s keeper and there was never going to be any other outcome than a goal until he was interceded at the last minute, leaving a halftime scoreline of 2-1 to St Colman’s.
The second half began with a tempo much the same as the first. St.Colman’s produced a few chances and forced some great saves by CBS goalkeeper Tadgh Nolan. As the second half progressed, St.Colman’s defensive line fell deeper and deeper into their own half in an attempt to prevent any goal chances. CBS continued to push for the equaliser they deserved but struggled to break down the St.Colman’s backline.
With mere minutes left to play, the St.Colman’s net was almost struck again with an unlucky effort from Cormac Keane Hyland rattling the crossbar from a crisp strike on the volley.
As the final whistle was blown, the game finished as a St.Colman’s victory with CBS feeling misfortunate not to have salvaged a draw. Credit to all players on both teams for creating such a thrilling game which could have gone either way. Full time:St.Colman’s Fermoy 2-1 CBS Mitchelstown.
