Junior B Hurlers end round Robin series with a loss, but previous results ensure advance to next round.

The blues travelled to Randal Og’s in Ballinacarriga on Sat evening to play Kilbrittain in the last of their 3 round Robin games. With both teams on max points, this game was to see who would top the group.. With a few music lovers heading to Electric Picnic, the numbers were tight, so a few new members were added to the squad.

From the whistle, Kilbrittain showed their intent with some excellent long range scores, one shot finding the back of the net when the Bantry goalie was blinded by the dropping sun. It took the blues 6mins to register their opening score , following a mighty puck out won by Jack Sheedy, which he popped over the bar. This score energised the blues and fighting for every ball they were rewarded with a sublime goal by Robyn McCarthy when he lobbed the goalie from 30yards bringing it back to a 2point game. The Kilbrittain halfback line played some excellent hurling scoring some great scores from inside their own half, while the blues were restricted to Jack Sheedy scores from dead balls for the remainder of the first quarter. Eoghan Minehane worked tirelessly winning lots of ball in defence and bursting out to supply forwards with winnable supply of ball. At the 15 min mark the blues trailed by 3pts on a scoreline of 1:04 to 1:08

For the remainder of the half Kilbrittain dominated scoring from distance, however there was some notable play by the blues. An 80 m free by Alan Osullivan, splitting the posts and Seanie Oleary hitting 2 great points from 50 yards with a trademark side shuffle on each score to dummy the defender and Jack Sheedy continuing his dead ball display with a further 2 points from play.

Half Time Bantry Blues Junior B Hurlers: 1-9(12)

Kilbrittain: 2-15(21)

The blues started the half well with a point from Daniel Murray who also had a goal chance well saved by the opposition keeper. Jack Sheedy added 2 more while Paddy Cronin got his name on the scoresheet. Connie Oleary put in a great shift at full forward, being a great target from passes out the field. The blues were on top in this opening qtr of the half with the full back line of Patrick Goggin, Michael ODonovan and Oran Wiseman marshalling their men very well. Unfortunately the Kilbrittain forwards got a goal against the run of play to mask the Blues dominance in this quarter when they now trailed 1-13(16) to 3-17(26)

Going into the final qtr, the blues never gave up, despite the pressure they had been under throughout the game. The evergreen Gerdy Barry along with his son Fionn supported the runs of midfielder Conor Cronin and Seanie Oleary. Goalie Alan Osullivans puck outs were finding their targets with Sean Cronin being hit by the No 1. The loudest cheer of the evening was at the introduction of Barry Oshea, on his hurling debut when he replaced the injured Fionn Barry. Kieran Collins took to the field midway thru to add experience to the team. The final qtr did not see many scores for the blues, but those that were scored were top drawer , with Alan Osullivan again splitting the posts with another 70metre free and Jack Sheedy adding another two frees from 40 metres.

Full Time Bantry Blues: 1-17(20) V Kilbrittain: 3-24(33)

Having qualified for a semi final spot from their two previous wins in the round Robin series, the blues face Gabriel Rangers in the West Cirk final, which is scheduled for the weekend of Oct 7th / 8th ( To be confirmed)

Bantry Blues Hurlers Sponsored by The Boston Bar

Back Row LtoR : Patrick Goggin, Alan OSullivan, Seanie OLeary, Michael ODonovan, Sean Cronin, Oran Wiseman, Eoghan Minehane, Fionn Barry

Front Row L to R :Daniel Murray, Connie OLeary (C) ,Conor Cronin, Jack Sheedy, Paddy Cronin, Barry OShea, Gerdie Barry ( missing Kieran Collins )