Inters Continue Winning Ways

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On Wednesday 2nd August 2006 the Crokes Intermediate hurlers had a hard fought 2-8 to 1-10 win over St Sylvester’s at Broomfield, Malahide.  This third win in four games should go a long way to securing at least a quarter-final championship spot that would be a well deserved reward for players and management alike.

 

Playing with a strong cross wind Crokes had to withstand some early pressure from the hosts before dominating for most of the first 17 or 18 minutes.  By this stage they had gone into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead and were looking comfortable.  The goal came from the busy Ronan Walsh and the Stillorgan men were on top in most sectors even if several free scoring chances were spurned.  By half time the complexion of the game had changed dramatically with Sylvester’s first goaling and then adding three points to leave matters level at the break.

 

With the opposition looking forward to the advantage of the elements, at half time some strong sentiments were expressed by management and a renewed effort called for.  For the first 12 minutes the appeals seemed to have fallen on deaf ears with Sylvester’s popping over three points and winning most of the battles.  A point in the 42nd minute cut the gap to two.  This was followed by another Sylvester’s minor after which a pattern of Crokes scores reducing the lead (on some occasions to the minimum) followed by the north county team responding in kind emerged.

 

With time almost up a long ball to the edge of the square was met by veteran substitute Niall Butler and finished to the net with aplomb.  A minute later came the winning score.  Having been led for nearly all the second half but having kept plugging away Crokes now found themselves in the lead.  Sylvester’s made a late push for the equaliser.  Several times it seemed likely the point would come only for some great Crokes defending to deny them.  Tellingly the ball was in the Sylvester’s danger area when the long whistle blew.

 

Best on a memorable night for Crokes were Richie Power, who kept a sound goal throughout, Dave Canny, Tomas Donohue, Eoin de Paor, especially when switched to midfield in the second half, Damien McSweeney and Ronan Walsh, who ended with a personal total of 1-2 while Niall Butler’s last 20 minutes 1-1 was crucial.

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