GAELIC GAMES: DUBLIN JHC ‘B’ QUARTER-FINAL
Impressive Lucan advance to ‘B’ semis
LUCAN CBS………………………………4-20
SALESIAN COLLEGE……………………3-12
Daire Walsh
LUCAN CBS advanced to the last-four of the Dublin Schools Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship courtesy of a convincing 11-point triumph against Salesian College, Celbridge on Monday.
Finalists at this grade two years ago, the Ballydowd boys progressed from a group that included Castleknock CC, St Declan’s College and Maynooth Post-Primary.
Salesians competed in a three-team section alongside Terenure College and St Mac Dara’s CC, which meant they were always guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds.
While the north Kildare outfit had some moments of joy in the opening period, they often struggled to break down a Lucan defence that was superbly marshalled by Cian Duffy. With Evin Dowling amassing an impressive tally of 1-4, CBS (or Coláiste Phádraig as they are also known) brought a 2-13 to 2-4 lead into the break.
Dowling was a key member of the Lucan side that captured the Juvenile ‘B’ hurling crown in May 2016 and he enhanced his personal haul with a superbly-struck penalty on the resumption.
Salesians persevered with their challenge as the action developed, forcing a series of fine saves out of opposition netminder Justin Meyler.
However, thanks to a terrific three-pointer by substitute Luke O’Neill, Lucan remained in firm control of their own destiny.
Ciaran O’Brien capped an industrious performance with a well-worked point, helping to ease his side into the penultimate stage of the competition.