DAVITS –v- ST BRIGID’S
ALL COUNTY HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 4B
WEDNESDAY 20th AUGUST 2008
On a rare dry evening in Belfast St. Brigid’s hurlers shed their sub aqua suits and went out to do battle with Davits in a Division 4B league match at Boucher road, looking to secure their first league win. The pitch was in a beautiful condition and the evening sun shone through.
Davits opened the game strongly but St. Brigid’s began exerting pressure in the middle third and were soon on level scores. St. Brigid’s could have taken the lead when Eoghan McKenna tried to goal from a 21yard free but his shot was well saved by the Davits goalkeeper. A goalkeeping mistake saw Davits score a soft goal but Mickey Kennedy’s blushes were saved when that man again, Eoghan McKenna scored a goal at the other end. At half time, Davits were three points ahead and St. Brigid’s had a head of steam up, confident in their ability to secure a win.
The second half saw St. Brigid’s start strongly and control the game for the first five minutes. Stephen Kennedy in particular at right halfback was dominating proceedings. However St. Brigid’s failed to register a score and with their first attack Davits scored a point. Eventually St. Brigid’s got on the scoreboard with a free from Eoghan McKenna followed up by a beautifully executed point off his weaker side from Stephen Kennedy. Collie Connolly, Adrian and Gabriel McIlhatton were dominating midfield and despite constant attacks St. Brigid’s could not score. St. Brigid’s full back line was colossal throughout the game with Darren Horrisk unbeatable at full back. Corner back Chris Ferguson sustained an injury to his right hand and in the course of treating him Davits scored a speculative goal, which saw the lead increase to seven points.
St. Brigid’s tagged on another point from a free and manager Justin McCormack made an inspired substitution, introducing the recently returned Barry Gormley who with his first touch sent a low drive to the corner for St. Brigid’s second goal. Only three points between the teams and with one minute left St. Brigid’s were awarded 21 yard free after a foul on the rampaging Adrian McIlhatton. Gabriel McIlhatton stepped up to drive a low shot to the goal, which was well saved. Davits quickly moved the ball downfield where they tagged on another point to leave the final score, Davits 2:12 St. Brigid’s 2:08.
The disappointment amongst the St. Brigid’s players afterwards was palpable and shows how much our expectations have risen since the start of the year. When the year started, we were happy simply to field, now we want and expect a win.
Next match is Wednesday 27th August away to Creggan Gaels.
