SHC: Kiltale come good in second-half
July 26, 2014
Kiltale's Kevin Ryan
Na Fianna ....... 3-8
Following an unimpressive first-half showing, strong favourites Kiltale upped their game from the resumption to overcome a gutsy Na Fianna in the last of the third round fixtures in the Ted Murtagh SHC at Trim on Friday evening.
It wasn't as hot as the previous evening at this impressive venue, but Kiltale had to work harder than expected to make it three wins from as many Group B outings.
Kiltale lined out without Peter Durnin and Mark O'Sullivan, though the latter turned in a strong showing when introduced to the attack for the second-half.
The second-half was played in ideal conditions with the diminishing sunlight and non-existent breeze making things easier for all concerned.
Despite an lack lustre opening 30 minutes (save for the final five), Kiltale resumed on level terms with Na Fianna, 3-3 to 2-6, but brought more intensity to proceedings following the break.
Playing towards the town end in the second period, Kiltale outscored Na Fianna by 0-11 to 1-2. The latter's third goal arrived in the last action of the hour when Barry Slevin got on the end of Johnny McCloskey delivery from distance.
Jack Regan led the charge as Kiltale tagged on seven points without reply within 17 minutes of the resumption. The number 15 finished with 1-8 to his credit.
Though listed at midfield, Kevin Ryan operated at full-forward and bagged a brace of first-half goals. The second helped Kiltale rally from being five points down after 26 minutes to being regaining parity by half-time. In fact Na Fianna's Evan Mullally posted the last score of the opening period that levelled matters for the fourth and final time.
Shane Burke posted Na Fianna's opening score of the second-half in the 48th minute to trim the deficit to six points, 2-7 to 3-10. Despite matching the eventual winners on the electronic scoreboard over the rest of the game, the Baconstown-Enfield side slipped to their third defeat of the campaign. A Regan pointed free from his own 65 was the highlight of the final quarter.
With the slight breeze in their favour, Na Fianna opened with more zest than their fancied opponents as they went in search of their first points of the campaign.
A Barry Slevin free in the second minute got the Enfield-Baconstown outfit going. Kiltale responded with the first of Kevin Ryan's goals. Undeterred Na Fianna countered with points from Noel O'Sullivan and Barry Slevin to level matters for the first time eight minutes.
The scores were tied twice in the next 10 minutes as the sides shared four scores as Na Fianna hit the front twice in this phase.
Na Fianna struck for their opening goal in the 22nd minute when Peter Slevin netted to leave the south county outfit 1-5 to 1-2 ahead.
Things got even better four minutes later for Na Fianna when Mark Slevin goaled with Evan Mullally providing the assist.
Kiltale were five points off the pace, 1-3 to 2-5, but upped a couple of gears with goals from Jack Regan and Kevin Ryan - the latter a delightful flick-on to Eamon Ryan's delivery.
Kiltale - Cathal Sheridan; Anthony Donnelly, David Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis; Stephen Donoghue, John Donoghue, Eamon Ryan; Stephen Cummins (0-1), Kevin Ryan (2-1); Phillip Garvey, Shane Lenehan (0-1), Anthony Forde (0-1); Ronan Ryan, Chris Reilly, Jack Regan (1-8, 0-5fs). Subs - Fergal McCabe for Forde (12), Mark O'Sullivan (0-2) for Reilly (ht).
Na Fianna - Davy Reilly; Mark Burke, Davy Gleeson, Noel O'Sullivan (0-1); Mark Kelly, Niall Reilly, Christy Cosgrave; Dermot Bailey, Barry Slevin (1-3, 0-1f, 0-1 65); Eoin Reilly, Evan Mullally (0-1), Johnny McCloskey (0-1); Peter Quinn (1-0), Shane Burke (0-1), Mark Slevin (1-1). Subs - Mark Coffey for S Burke, Sean Griffin for Mullally (48), David Lyons for Kelly (54), Donal Curran for Reilly (54).
Referee - Fergus Smith (Blackhall Gaels) Tweet
