LEINSTER SH ‘A’ CHAMP
Croke’s score ensures Dublin South progress
Daire Walsh
A FIRST-HALF goal from Davy Croke was crucial at the Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence on Saturday afternoon, as Dublin South advanced to the next phase of the Leinster Schools’ SH ‘A’ Championship Group Team section with a 1-13 to 0-13 triumph against Wexford Schools.
South were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of last year’s competition against Good Counsel, New Ross, and although they were once again placed under immense pressure by Slaneyside opposition, they displayed impressive mental resolve to join rivals Dublin South in the second preliminary round of fixtures.
Despite missing out on qualification for the Leinster league semi-finals last November, South embarked on Saturday’s game in a positive frame of mind. Thanks to fine defensive work by Luke Corcoran and James Holland, the Wexford attack were working off limited possession in the opening period.
Indeed, in addition to fine work from Davy Keogh, Ciaran Dowling and corner-forward Alan Coffey, Croke’s vital three-pointer meant that the Metropolitan side brought a slight lead into the second-half.
Wexford always kept within touching distance upon the resumption, though, and with torrential rain making life difficult for both sets of players, scoring chances were always going to be at a minimum.
IMPORTANT
It was important for South that Wexford didn’t enjoy a purple patch, and with full-back Corcoran continuing to lead by example, they frustrated the opposition forward line.
A brace of points from substitute Tommy Hynes, as well as further points from Coffey, Keogh and Dowling, helped South to create some daylight between the teams, and they can now look forward to an encounter with Offaly Schools.