Ratoath 1-12 Kiltale 2-7

Ratoath cemented their status in the play-offs of the junior hurling championship with a hard-earned win against Kiltale.

Sean Laffey, Keith O'Brien and Conleth McLarnon led the charge in the final quarter when it mattered most to make it five wins out of six.

At half-time, Ratoath were seven up and cruising, leading by 1-9 to 1-2. Gavin Hattie's booming puck-out were landing deep and the forward line had Kiltale in all sorts of bother.

After Kiltale started brightly, McLarnon helped Ratoath into the groove. He scored the opening point to settle his team and then his long ball into the full-forward line was caught by Phil Lanigan who finished deftly to the net. Lanigan added a burst of quick scores in succession with Aaron McDonnell popping over another.

At the back, Paddy Cummins marshalled a tight defensive unit where James Duffy, Pat Cashman and James O'Brien had their moments.

Losing a man at the start of the second half though put Ratoath under pressure as Kiltale clawed a way back. A second goal to go with the one just before half-time brought them to within one score but the likes of Alex Coakley, Sean Laffey and Conleth McLarnon upped it when it mattered most.

Mark Haskins gave the defence help in a sweeping role while up front the workrate of Pat Briody, Johnny Everard and Roger Casey kept Kiltale on the back foot and a sweet strike from the wing by Aaron McDonnell rounded off the win.

Kiltale had a late, late chance of a goal but the 20 metre free hit the side netting.

This Sunday, Ratoath face table-toppers Kildalkey in the last round, throw-in 12 noon in Trim, with a play-off place happily secured.

Ratoath: Gavin Hattie; James Duffy, Paddy Cummins, Pat Cashman; James O'Brien, Sean Laffey, Keith O'Brien; Alex Coakley, Conleth McLarnon; Aaron McDonnell, Eoghan Mulcahy, Patrick Briody; Phil Lanigan, Roger Casey, Johnny Everard. Sub: Mark Haskins

Scorers: P Lanigan 1-5 (2f), A McDonnell 0-3, Sean Laffey 0-2 (2 frees), Conleth McLarnon 0-1, R Casey 0-1

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