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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lyons’ three end Barry’s plans
By Michael O’Brien
The proverbial game of two halves at Kiltoom on Saturday evening saw Castlerea St. Kevin’s produce an impressive second-half display to send Strokestown into a relegation battle in an action-packed encounter.
With Strokestown’s pitch deemed unplayable, moving the game to Kiltoom certainly was to Castlerea’s advantage, though one wouldn’t have thought so after watching their first-half display. Castlerea were poor to say the least, and shot some terrible wides.
Strokestown looked much better co-ordinated and had the edge in the physical stakes, which aided them greatly around the midfield sector. And in a game that becomes a war of attrition, Strokestown usually comes out on top.
But they faltered badly in the second half, especially in the final quarter. Indeed, one would have to question the fitness levels of the team, or rather compliment the conditioning of the Castlerea players.
Tempers boiled over on a couple of occasions during this contest. A case could be made for three players to be sent off. Luckily for Ger Heneghan and Rory O’Connor, their tangle near the sideline wasn’t spotted by the officials, and they got away with a booking.
Heneghan went on to play a key role in the second half of the game. While he missed a number of chances, though they were chances he created himself to begin with, every time he got possession he unsettled the Strokestown defence.
The corner-forward has his critics, but the fact remains that without him, Castlerea would struggle to hold their place in the senior championship, while with him, they’re always a threat.
Castlerea made a few switches at half time and they worked a treat. After a quiet first half, Nigel Dineen benefited from a move out from the edge of the square. Enda Kenny also came into the game while Ger Heneghan gave it his all from first whistle to last.
Padraic Duignan was commanding in the fullback line while Michael Killilea came more into the game after the break. Noel Curran covered acres of ground around the halfback line as a rejuvenated Castlerea took control.
Dependent on John Rogers, who always delivers, Strokestown became very predictable as the game wore on. They persisted with a two-man full-forward line for far too long. Playing Kenny Bosquette and Rory O’Connor deep worked in the first half but Strokestown were completely outnumbered when they sent balls into their attack in the second half.
Castlerea were more creative. They were in the first half too but didn’t take their chances. After eight minutes the sides were level at 2-2, both of Strokestown’s points kicked by John Rogers from frees.
On 12 minutes, Castlerea were awarded a penalty when Ger Heneghan released Ronan Curran through on goal, who was fouled just as he attempted to kick for goal. Ger Heneghan’s penalty was saved by John McHugh and two further John Rogers efforts (one free) left them 4-2 in front after 18 minutes.
A well-struck free by John Duggan on 22 minutes made it a one-point game but Strokestown were dominant in the final few minutes of the half. Rogers landed another free while Rory O’Connor intercepted a pass before firing over.
Rogers made it 7-3 when getting on the end of a fine move that was started by centre-forward Pearse McGinley in the full-back line. Castlerea looked very unsure of themselves at this stage but they were given hope going in at the break when Ger Heneghan kicked a wonderful point from a sideline just before the interval.
Castlerea were a transformed team in the second half and kicked three points without replay in the opening three minutes. Strokestown would only manage two points for the remainder of the game as Castlerea began to dominate proceedings. Two John Rogers frees did put Strokestown 9-7 in front at the three-quarter mark, but then Strokestown fell away.
Indeed, substitute Enda Molloy, who added pace to the attack when introduced, could well have put the game beyond reach on 45 minutes when he cut through the Castlerea defence only to see his effort for a goal blocked.
Castlerea introduced Dermot Lyons moments later and he would go on to kick three points. The Strokestown defence became ragged and Lyons kept popping up in great positions to take possession before firing over with ease.
Two Ger Heneghan frees and an effort from Noel Curran pushed Castlerea’s tally to 0-13. They had outscored Strokestown 10-2 for the final 35 minutes of the contest.
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