It was a mightily relieved Naomh Brid side when the referee eventually called time after 67 minutes at Harlequins on Wednesday evening with their fragile one point lead just about intact. Truth be told the win, while clearly welcome in a vital four-pointer with premier status at stake, was as unconvincing as they come. Admittedly the absence of the influential James Loughrey was a key factor but a major improvement will be needed to overcome St Pauls in the championship at Casement on Saturday week.
After a dream start when Smyth and Ward combined to play in McGrady for a hand pass to the net in the opening minute the scene was set for a straightforward home win. Indeed Naomh Brid did enjoy much the better of the first third of the game with points from Ward, McGrady (2), Mohan, O’Hagan and Gallagher providing a handy six point cushion against the league’s bottom-placed side. However they failed to capitalize on their advantage and once Rasharkin’s midfield got to grips as the half wore on the momentum began to swing. Alarmingly they were allowed numerous unchecked runs through the centre that should have brought several scores but for poor finishing and the alertness of McSorley whose leg block saved an otherwise certain goal. Their efforts were however rewarded with a late point as they went into the interval with renewed hope.
HT: Naomh Brid 1-6 Rasharkin 0-4
Despite a frank gee-up at the interval the home side took time to settle on the restart while Rasharkin kept up the pressure and clawed back another two points. With just a score between the sides Ward brought relief with a tap-in goal on 42 minutes thanks to Mohan’s persistence on the byeline. But Rasharkin were far from done for and continued to plug away as their domination of the middle third reaped gradual reward. By the 56th minute they had inched back to within three points as Naomh Brid‘s play became increasingly laboured and disjointed with missed tackles and passes going astray. Mark Sweeny’s breakaway insurance point to calm fraught nerves on 57 minutes proved just that as Rasharkin laid siege for the extended injury time and rattled over three more points in a grandstand finish. There was palpable relief but no euphoria at the final whistle.
FT: Naomh Brid 2-9 Rasharkin 0-14
Team: W McSorley, D McAuley, R Smyth (A Sweeney),T McCrudden, K Gallagher (0-1), R Daly, C Mohan (0-1) (C Conway), J Dowling, M Sweeney, B McMahon (0-1), D O’Hagan (0-1), M Donnelly, R McGrady,(1-3) D Edwards , M Ward (1-1)
MoM: D McAuley
