AHL DIV. 1 ROUNDUP – 16TH MAY
ADULT HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP: MAY 16
By Daire Walsh
Ballyboden St Enda’s and Na Fianna continue to set the pace at the summit of the Adult Hurling League Division One table, following their respective victories against Cuala and St Brigid’s on Wednesday night.
With four wins from as many games to date, ‘Boden and the Glasnevin men have set themselves out as the teams to beat in this year’s competition. While St Jude’s are leading the chase pack at the moment, a narrow opening round defeat to Brigid’s ensures they are two points adrift of the top-two.
‘Boden – who are seeking to defend the league crown they secured at the expense of Brigid’s last October – amassed consecutive triumphs over St Vincent’s, O’Toole’s and Lucan Sarsfields in the lead up to this fourth round of fixtures.
For their second home encounter of 2018, they played host to All-Ireland champions Cuala – whose exploits in the Tommy Moore Cup has left them with a couple of top-flight games in hand. Despite being severely depleted on their visit to Pairc Ui Murchu, Colm Cronin and Shane Stapleton edged the Dalkey outfit into an early advantage.
‘Boden soon responded with a brace of Niall McMorrow points, and even though Cian Waldron was in fine form for the visitors, they eventually assumed control of the contest.
With an excellent Conor McCormack goal bolstered by strong scoring returns from Aidan Mellett and James Roche, the hosts led 1-10 to 0-6 at the interval. Although Cronin maintained his attacking threat when the action resumed, Paul Doherty and Mellett helped ‘Boden to create further daylight between the teams.
He boosted his already impressive personal haul with a 1-4 salvo, whereas Doherty contributed two points during a notable purple patch for his side. In addition to their formidable attacking sextet, ‘Boden were also backboned by an organised defensive unit.
Spearheaded by former Wexford hurler Malachy Travers, they managed to keep the likes of Cronin and Nicky Kenny in check as the action progressed. Indeed, courtesy of a third major from substitute Eoghan O’Neill in the closing stages, Ballyboden ultimately claimed a commanding 3-21 to 0-16 win to retain their 100% success rate.
It was also a profitable night for Na Fianna, who finished with eight points to spare (1-19 to 1-11) against the aforementioned Brigid’s at St Mobhi Road. Playing with a strong breeze at their backs, the youthful northsiders produced a dominant display to keep their Russell Park counterparts at arm’s length.
In addition to a powerful performance from midfielder Ciaran Heeney, AJ Murphy and Colin Currie flourished in attack. Courtesy of an excellent goal by the latter, Na Fianna developed a comprehensive 1-12 to 0-5 cushion at the break.
To their credit, Brigid’s battled admirably after the restart and reduced the gap to five points in the closing stages. Eoghan Dunne led the charge for the Navan Road outfit – who recorded back-to-back victories against St Jude’s and Kilmacud prior to this encounter.
However, with Sean Burke, Ciaran Fanning and Conor Kelly excelling in defence, Na Fianna ultimately maintained their unbeaten start. Currie ended the proceedings with an outstanding tally of 1-9, while Murphy also converted two sidelines in an accomplished personal showing.
They narrowly trail ‘Boden on score differential, but will have a chance to overtake the holders when they meet at Mobhi Road on May 30.
Elsewhere, Jude’s kept themselves in contention by recording a third consecutive league win at Tymon North. St Vincent’s provided stiff opposition, before the Wellington Lane men prevailed on a scoreline of 0-16 to 1-10.
As a result of their 0-25 to 2-19 draw with Lucan Sarsfields at Pearse Park, Crumlin join Kilmacud and Brigid’s on four points. This was a positive result for Lucan following opening round defeats to Na Fianna and Ballyboden, while Craobh Chiarain also got up and running with a 3-19 to 1-14 success over local rivals O’Toole’s at Clonshaugh.