Hurlers lose out to Craobh Rua

With a very under-strength team, due to the following days county final involving nine of ten dual players, Eoghan Rua came up just short losing 2-9 to 2-6. Following the long journey down they got off to a dreadful start going behind 1-4 to no score by the 14th minute.

Centre forward Fiachra Bradley and Ryan Lewis caused all sorts of problems for the Eoghan Rua defence. However the Coleraine men tightened the ship where veterans Brendan McNicholl and Pat Cassidy went on to have stormers over the next three quarters of the game. Eoghan Rua got back into the game with Niall Magill goal following a shot by Brian Frizelle. By half-time points from Liam Frizelle and Pat Cassidy left Eoghan Rau just two adrift.

The Armagh side then added two quick points in the second half before Ruari Leonard pointed a free for Eoghan Rua. The sides then twice exchanged points, Liam Frizelle and Ruari Leonard for Eoghan Rua, Fiachra Bradley scoring twice or Craobh Rua.

When Gregory Rafferty pointed Coleraine were just two behind going into the last ten minutes. However Fergal Lewis sent over and then Michael Bradley at full forward pulled on a high ball in and rocked the net putting Craobh Rua four up.

With less than five minutes to go Eoghan Rua were back in it when Padraig O Mianain blasted a 20m free direct to the net. In the dying seconds Eoghan Rua had a half chance for a possible equaliser but the ball slipped away and with it the Coleraine side’s chance for advancing in the Ulster championship.

Eoghan Rua scorers: P O Mianain (1-0), N Magill (1-0), L Frizelle (0-2), R Leonard (0-2), G Rafferty (0-1), P Cassidy (0-1).

Craobh Rua: F Bradley (1-5, 0-3 frees), M Bradley (1-0), R Lewis (0-2), F Lewis (0-1), M Garvey (0-1).