Tulla 2-13 v 0-16 Sixmilebridge

Junior B Hurling League

Division 5B Round 5 @ Dr. Daly Park, Tulla

There was disappointment for our junior hurlers who lost out narrowly to Tulla in their quest for a league semi final berth earlier today.

The 'Bridge played against a strong breeze in the first half and got off to a good start with early scores from Ross O'Donnell and Martin Conlon in between a point for the home side. However, this was as good as it got in this half with Tulla grabbing seven of the next eight scores including a well worked goal. The lively Errol Tuohy had the visitors point, a fine effort from outside the forty five.

This 'Bridge team never give up easily and rallied to finish the half strongly to go in at the break 1-9 to 0-7 adrift as subsitute Trevor Maxwell and Martin Conlon (3) were on the mark.

As has been the case all year the 'Bridge came out with all guns blazing on the resumption with two early scores from Martin Conlon narrowing the deifict with a Tulla free sandwiched in between. The 'Bridge backs were to the forefront of the attacks in this half attacking the breaking ball and this was evident when Jonathan Hayes made an excellent run up the wing before passing to Caimin Barrett who pointed. Another score from Conlon was cancelled out by a well struck Tulla free before the home team got in for their second goal to go five ahead.

Sixmilebridge pilled on the pressure after this with midfield duo Eric Lynch and Mikey O'Halloran grabbing two fine scores to ensure an exciting last ten minutes. Tulla had the next score, a fine point from play, before Conlon struck a free for the 'Bridge as Billy Maxwell and Brian O'Loughlin made good interventions at the other end.

Try as they might the 'Bridge could not get through for the goal they badly needed with the final two scores for the visitors arriving from the stick of Conlon, including a 21 yard free that was tipped over by the keeper. The final score of the game fell to Tulla who broke up the field at the death to grab a point to put them three up and seal the win.

The 'Bridge will now turn their attention to the championship which is just over a month away with Tubber, Feakle and Smith O'Brien's in their group. In recent weeks Ronan 'Toc' O'Shea has joined the management team with a good panel of players at Mikey Corbett's disposal who will be hoping to give the championship a rattle.

Sixmilebridge: Jake Dineen; Billy Maxwell, Brian O'Loughlin, Alan McAuley (Capt); Barry Corbett, Eamonn O'Donoghue, Jonathan Hayes; Mikey O'Halloran (0-1), Eric Lynch (0-1); Errol Tuohy (0-1), Martin Conlon (0-10; 0-7fs, 0-1 65), Noel Flannery; Ross O'Donnell (0-1), Kevin Phelan, Caimin Barrett (0-1). Subs: Trevor Maxwell (0-1) for Flannery, Mark McInerney for McAuley, Jamie Lyons for McInerney (inj). Pa Punch, Ian Chaplin, Ed Skehan, Tadgh Devanney, Eric Purcell, Paul Horan. Also: James O'Neill (injured).