Crokes and Cuala draw in Senior Championship opener

The 2014 and 2015 County Champions slugged it out to draw in Parnell Park

It was a ding dong battle in Parnell Park, as the lead passed between Crokes and Cuala multiple times, before ultimately ending in a draw. A goal with the last puck of the match saw Cuala draw level, somewhat against the run of play.

Crokes started brightly, with a point from Oisin Ó'Rorke within the first 30 seconds. Although Cuala answered quickly with two pointed frees by David Treacy, Crokes took the next 6 overs - the last by Ryan O'Dwyer (returning after a lenghty layoff) - to go into a 5 point lead after 18 minutes. However, Cuala hit back with the next 6 scores, primarlly from placed ball, to end the half 2 up, 0-09 to 0-07.

In the second half Crokes again started the stronger, raising the white flag five time, all from Oisin O'Rorke, to take a two point lead. However the concession of an early penalty gave Treacy the opportunity to put Cuala ahead, and he despatched his shot to the back of the net, despite the best efforts of Mattie Collins. From then until the last 5 minutes the teams traded points - and the lead - until overs by Ryan O'Dwyer, Caolan Conway and another from Oisin O'Rorke in injury time, seemed to give Crokes the advantage, with a three point lead. However, with literally the last puck of the match, Mark Schutte took his opportunity well to raise the green flag again for Cuala and the match ended all square. Interestingly the late goal was only Cuala's third score from play during the entire match...   

To read the Dublin Gazette's (Dun Laoghaire edition) match report click HERE. 

Photos by Diarmuid Ó Gallchobhair