close
01 September 2009
The Under 16 hurlers of Clooney/Quin and Meelick/Parteen served up a thrilling eighty minutes of non-stop action in a play-off for a semi-final spot in this years County "A" Championship in Clooney last Monday evening, August 31st.
Having won the toss for home venue due to the unavailability of the appointed venue, the Clooney/Quin lads were slow to settle, with the powerful South-East Clare side taking a commanding lead by the mid-point of the half. The home side eventually settled and reduced the deficit to a goal by the end of the half, with the scoreboard reading 1-9 to 0-9.
With the assistance of the strong wind for the 2nd half, Clooney/Quin were fancied to overhaul the lead. However, the Meelick/Parteen side were in no mood to surrender easily, and kept their noses in front as Clooney/Quin chipped away at the scoreboard.
The goal that the home side craved for eventually arrived with 5 minutes remaining and, in a welther of excitement, the equaliser came as the clock ran down.
Level at full-time, 20 minutes of Extra Time was played. Wind-assisted, Clooney/Quin played their best hurling of the hour in the first period and led by 4 at the break.
On the turnover, Meelick/Parteen fought tooth and nail to get their noses in front, but the home side held out for a terrific 1-20 to 1-18 win.
Credit must go to both sides who provided such an excellent spectacle in heavy underfoot conditions, with wind and rain thrown in to add to their difficulties.
Having secured the County Under 15 "B" title last year, qualification for this years "A" semi-final is a positive sign of progress for these players. Well done to the team and Mentors.
Onto the semi-final they go with confidence!
