Report by Colum Thompson
A.C.S.H.L Div 1
A.C.S.H.L Div 1
Wednesday 14th May 2014
Fresh from victory over Ballycastle at the weekend Ruairi Og took on county champions Loughgiel in the county league. Cushendall started brightly with Christy Mc Naughton firing over a couple of early points. Liam Watson opened Loughgiel’s account with a free from 40 yards in the seventh minute. Cushendall were hurling well and putting Loughgiel under pressure, Aidan Mc Naughton robbed his man and pointed neatly from the middle of the park. Eoin Laverty then got possession on the right wing and sent over an excellent point from a tight angle. Laverty got another point, this time from a 65’ after DD Quinn had brilliantly saved a goal bound effort from Christy Mc Naughton. Loughgiel were struggling to break through a resolute Dall defence but Watson brought some respite with two points from a free and a 65’. Cushendall again pushed forward, ace marksman Laverty pointed two frees either side of a Liam Watson point as the game ebbed and flowed. Eoin Laverty played an excellent 1-2 with Paddy Mc Gill and again split the uprights and as the half drew to a close Eoghan Campbell made an excellent solo run into space and converted to leave the half time score ; Ruairi Og 0-9 Loughgiel 0-5.
Eoin Laverty began the second half with another pointed free but there was a spring in Loughgiel’s step and they went on the rampage. Eddie Mc Closkey got the ball rolling and Liam Watson added a free. Dan Mc Closkey was next to turn the screw when he pointed after a nice pass from Johnny Campbell. Further points from Barney Mc Auley and Eddie Mc Closkey drew Loughgiel level and they were now looking good for victory. However Cushendall’s players stood up and were counted. Eoghan Campbell won a free which Eoin Laverty converted. A high ball into the Loughgiel danger area was won by Donal Mc Naughton who found Karl Mc Keegan who blasted a brilliant shot past DD Quinn for a Cushendall goal. It was now the turn of Loughgiel to chase the game and chase they did. Tony Mc Closkey worked the ball inside to Rowan Carey who beat Eoin Gillan for a goal. With time running out Loughgiel got their noses in front thanks to a couple of Liam Watson frees. With Cushendall a point behind and the game heading into injury time a chance fell to Eoin Laverty and he made no mistake from distance and when the referee blew the final whistle the teams were level 1-12 to 1-12.
How they played; The draw will please Loughgiel more than Cushendall who missed two guilt edged goal chances. However there was plenty to be happy about in the performance. The intensity was high and Loughgiel were often under pressure in possession. The defence was strong with Arron Graffin, David Kearney and Ryan Mc Cambridge particularly impressive. Further forward Eoghan Campbell and Donal Mc Naughton worked hard but my man of the match goes to the impressive Eoin Laverty. His free taking was superb and he chipped in with three vital points from play as well.
Team; 1.
E Gillan 2. R Mc Cambridge 3. M Burke 4. A Graffin 5. C
Carson 6. P Burke 7. D
Kearney 8. A Mc Naughton(0-1) 9. A Delargy 10. P Mc Gill 11.
E Campbell (0-1) 12. K Mc Keegan(1-0) 13.
E Laverty (0-8 5f) 14. D Mc Naughton 15. C Mc Naughton(0-2)
Subs used;
S Delargy