Kilcormac/Killoughey seal top spot with six point win over gallant Coolderry

WITHOUT doubt their toughest encounter so far this season, Kilcormac/Killoughey still came away from Rath with a 1-18 to 0-15 over Coolderry on Sunday evening. 

Molloy Environmental Systems Senior Hurling Championship Group 2 Round 5

Kilcormac/Killoughey 1-18

Coolderry 0-15

A man of the match display from Ter Guinan including his crucial goal in the 40th minute did enough for KK on a day when they’ll be disappointed with their wide tally but still will be happy to have got out of Rath with their 100% record still intact. Along with other stand out performers like Conor Slevin, Leigh Kavanagh and Jordan Quinn. 

Stephen Corcoran was outstanding in goals for Coolderry, pulling off some savage saves, being brave and also contributing to 0-3 from placed balls. Daniel Miller came up with two fantastic sidelines, while Kevin Connolly worked tirelessly in the full forward line and always to give KK headaches. They will feel that they possibly could have taken something from the game but will be pleased with how they competed and will take full confidence into the quarter finals in two weeks time. 

The game was slow to get really going as expected with it being very nick and tuck and a very strong wind playing a factor as KK racked up seven wides early on due to the ball blowing wide - the sides were only  separated by two points after the opening 16 minutes. Daniel Hand started strong with two points, while Leigh Kavanagh and Ter Guinan registered good scores. Alex Kavanagh was used as a blood sub in the first half and used his time well to score a close range point, meanwhile up the other end Daniel Miller sent over a lovely sideline cut to add to Shane Ryan, Kevin Connolly and Eoin Burke points. David King was also on point with a nicely taken point, with Conor Mahon and placed balls from Adam Screeney were keeping the scoreboard ticking for KK.  

They did lead at the break, 0-11 to 0-10 but the game was far from over. Coolderry kept up the pace and they did have a number of goal opportunities that went abegging much like KK which on another day both sides could have rattled the net. KK did finally break the net when Leigh Kavanagh who was having a positive second half was setting up scores first for Charlie Mitchell and then found Ter Guinan who hit his shot low and hard past Corcoran to leave daylight between the sides. 

 The unfortunate Eoin Burke suffered a nasty injury 10 minutes from the end and after a lengthy delay received a big round of applause from all supporters wishing him well. He had tagged on two points before that too, with Corcoran sending over another long range free and a late 65 towards the end. Adam Screeney finished very strongly as he sent over two points from play, along with further points from Conor Mahon and Cillian Kiely. 

A good game of hurling served up between two old rivals and certainly gives us plenty to discuss and look forward to as we now head into the knockout stages. 

Full time Kilcormac/Killoughey 1-18 - 0-15 Coolderry. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Ter Guinan (Kilcormac/Killoughey): Stephen Corcoran and Kevin Connolly performed very good for Coolderry , with David King also showing vast experience at the heart of their half back line. Billy Burke was also in fantastic form, as he dealt with any questions asked of himself and the full back line. 

Leigh Kavanagh had a really solid showing once again, setting up the goal and also providing 0-2, while Adam Screeney had a strong showing for the ball and finished the game full of energy. Cillian Kiely was also very strong in the half back line. 

Ter Guinan was everywhere for KK, he took his goal expertly and was a driving force with the ball. He’s been excellent all season for the reigning champions, and is only getting better with every game. 

THE SCORERS

Kilcormac/Killoughey: Adam Screeney 0-7 (4frees, 1 65); Ter Guinan 1-2; Leigh Kavanagh , Daniel Hand and Conor Mahon 0-2 each; Charlie Mitchell, Cillian Kiely and Alex Kavanagh 0-1 each. 

Coolderry: Eoin Burke 0-5 (4frees); Stephen Corcoran 0-3 (1free, 2 65); Daniel Miller (2 sidelines) and Kevin Connolly 0-2 each; David King, Ajay Cleary, Shane Ryan . 

THE TEAMS

Kilcormac/Killoughey: Conor Slevin; Tom Spain; Oisin Mahon; James Mahon; Jordan Quinn; Cillian Kiely; Brecon Kavanagh; Colin Spain; Damian Kilmartin; Ter Guinan; Conor Mahon; Leigh Kavanagh; Daniel Hand; Charlie Mitchell; Adam Screeney. Subs– Alex Kavanagh for Screeney (blood sub) (12m); Enda Grogan for Mahon (54m); Alex Kavanagh for Mitchell (57m).

Coolderry: Stephen Corcoran; Stephen Connolly; Billy Burke; Stephen Burke; Eoghan Parlon; David King; Conor Molloy; Cian Burke; William Malone; Andrew Connolly; Eoin Ryan; Shane Ryan; Eoin Burke; Kevin Connolly; Daniel Miller. Subs-Ajay Cleary for Malone (41m); Conor Hogan for Burke (Inj, 47m). 

REFEREE WATCH

Adam Kinahan refereed this big encounter and did a very good job in dealing with both teams. Decisions made were fair and balanced, and no big major effects on the result of the fixture. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Ter Guinan’s goal was the turning point of the game and all but sealed victory for KK and all after KK seemed a small bit underwhelming in front of the nets. Daniel Miller’s two sideline cuts were also highly impressive. 

VENUE WATCH

Rath held today's game on a wet enough sort of an evening, but as expected the pitch was in good condition, plenty of stewards around to accommodate the big crowd in attendance. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Kilcormac/Killoughey advance to the semi finals, while Coolderry will head to the quarter finals to take on Shinrone .

STATISTICS

Wides: Kilcormac/Killoughey – 20   ( 10 in first half,   10 in 2nd half); Coolderry – 8  ( 4  in first half, 4 in 2nd half).

Yellow cards: Kilcormac/Killoughey - (1) Cillian Kiely; Coolderry – (0) 

Red cards: Kilcormac/Killoughey– (0 ); Coolderry – (0).