ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3A.
Monaghan 2-13, Warwickshire 2-6.
It took a strong final 20 minutes by Monaghan to secure victory in this interesting and entertaining, if at times scrappy and frustrating encounter, that was played in bright if chilly conditions in Clones on Saturday afternoon last. The game was originally due to be played on Sunday 20th of March in Castleblayney but was brought forward to today Saturday at the request of Warwickshire and the venue switched to St. Tiarnach’s Park.
While Warwickshire made life difficult for Monaghan at times with their battling approach in which they gave them little by way of space or time on the ball, Monaghan also contributed to their own problems with some slack play, poor marking and poor decision-making, but above all some wasteful finishing that saw them hit 15 wides in all, 12 in the first half. Warwickshire on the other hand were much more efficient and held the lead three times during the game but when Monaghan moved up a gear entering the final 15 minutes of normal time the visitors visibly faded and Monaghan closed the game out with something of a flourish. Warwickshire took the lead with a goal right after the throw in but Monaghan fought back to lead by two at the break only to find themselves four in arrears seven minutes into the second half as Warwickshire struck for goal number 2. That though was as good as it was to get for the visitors as Monaghan took increasing control and when Mark Treanor crashed home Monaghan’s second goal in the 55th minute they were on their way to victory.
Teams and Scorers: Monaghan: David McGahon, Brian Flanagan, Patrick Finnegan, Conor Boyle, Aaron Kenny, Peter Treanor, Conor McKenna, Deaglan Crowe, Stephen Forde, Niall Garland, Mark Treanor 1-2, Fergal Rafter 0-2, Brian McGuigan 0-2, Stephen Lambe 0-7 (2f, 1 ’65), Ronan Curran 1-0. Subs: Kieran Hanniffy for D McGahon (52), Shane McNally for P Treanor (72).
Warwickshire: Des Kelly, Michael O’Reagan, Damien Heffernan, Seamus Brough, Chris Brough, Pauric Treacy, Willie Allen, Joe Meagher, Pauric Crehan 0-2 (1f), Shane Morrissey 0-2, Liam Reale 1-0, Ogie Long 1-0, John Boxwell, Conor Robins 0-1, Colm McBride. Subs: Kieran Boxwell 0-1for C Brough (29), Eoin Toomey for J Boxwell (53), David Millea for J Meagher (67). Referee: Kevin Brady (Louth).
By Majella Boyd Sat 19th Mar
