Harriers have four to spare
A FINE second-half performance helped Faythe Harriers to a deserved four-point victory over a battling Geraldine O'Hanrahans side in this Junior hurling championship 'B' semi-final at Páirc Charman on Friday last.
The home side, who trailed by two points at the interval, shot into the lead early in the second period, but credit to the New Ross town side as they battled back to get on level terms. However, the superior scoring power of the Harriers eventually brought them through a close and exciting clash.
Geraldine O'Hanrahans played their best hurling during the first-half when they looked a side capable of achieving victory, but their lack of finishing came back to haunt them in the end.
After the sides had exchanged early points through Mark Rellis and Seán Murphy, Geraldine O'Hanrahans struck for the opening goal after three minutes when Michael Wall finished splendidly from 14 metres.
Five minutes later the Geraldines capitalised on slack marking in the home defence for Jimmy Smith to bang home his side's second goal to leave them leading by 2-1 to 0-2.
Faythe Harriers through some fine points from Jason Giltrap and John Cummins managed to remain in touc,h but they still trailed by two points at the interval (2-2 to 0-6).
The Wexford town men struck two unanswered points on the resumption through John Cummins pointed frees while, after 34 minutes, Richard Murphy worked his way in along the endline to crash home a fine goal, giving his side a 1-8 to 2-2 lead.
The sides continued to trade points, but a Jimmy Smith effort saw the Geraldines regain the lead (3-5 to 1-10) after 44 minutes.
However, the decisive score arrived at the end of the third quarter when Richard Murphy found the net from close range, putting his side back into a lead they were never subsequently to lose.
- BRENDAN FURLONG in Páirc Charman
