Lucan ‘cille off early Whitehall challenge
DUBLIN U15 ‘B’ HC FINAL
LUCAN SARSFIELDS……………………………………… 3-14
WHITEHALL COLMCILLE………………………………. 1-07
By Daire Walsh
GOALS in either half from Emmet Allen paved the way for Lucan Sarsfields’ success at Blakestown Road on Sunday afternoon, as they produced a strong second-half showing to emerge victorious in the Under-15 ‘B’ Hurling Championship decider at the expense of Whitehall Colmcille.
CONTEND
With a five-point deficit (2-7 to 1-5) to contend with at the start of the second half, Whitehall were still in the shake-up for the silverware on offer, but an increase in tempo ultimately provided the template for Lucan’s success.
On paper, this had the making of a compelling finale, as Sarsfields entered this contest on the back of three consecutive defeats by the Collins Avenue brigade.
However, the superb commitment and work ethic from Lucan on the day was readily epitomised in the performance of defensive lynchpin Ciaran Dowling.
The centre-back was a towering presence throughout, and also landed a number of scores from placed balls at vital junctures.
Whitehall did manage to create openings through the Lucan rearguard on a number of occasions, but with Allen and Caoimhan O Conghaile both registering three-pointers, Sarsfields were able to keep a safe distance between themselves and their opponents.
RESUMED
After the action resumed, Whitehall did continue to perform admirably, but they were proving to be somewhat wayward with the promising opportunities that fell their way. In contrast, Lucan were less profligate in front of goal, and Allen’s second major of the day effectively put paid to any prospect of a dramatic Whitehall fightback.
Allen and O Conghaile kept the Colmcille defence on their toes right up until the final moments, and with the likes of Evan Lombard, Conor Heffernan, Ben Coffey and Rory Stapleton also getting in on the scoring act, Lucan completed a most memorable outing in St Peregrine’s ground.