Nothing soft as Toome and Sars must go again
Toomevara 1-16
Thurles Sarsfields 2-13 (AET)
By Liam Hogan in Borrisoleigh
They will have to do it all over again as eighty minutes failed to separate Toomevara and Thurles Sarsfields in this County Under 21 'A' Hurling Championship semi-final last Sunday.
The draw came about after Kevin McCarthy’s 79th minute point brought the sides level for the seventh and final time after a highly entertaining encounter despite playing through a downpour for most of the second half.
The first half was played in ideal weather as Toome forced the game and led 1-7 to 1-6 at the break after enjoying a four point advantage after twenty minutes. The North champions held onto the lead until the 41st minute when Conor Stakelum’s goal from a 65 went all the way to the net (the heavy rain was a factor) to give the Mid champions the lead.
A lesser team might have crumbled but Toome remained steadfast and kept within range of the Midmen before needing a Jack Delaney free to level 2-10 to 1-13 at the end of normal time.
It appeared that Thurles were faring that bit better in terms of possession as extra time developed but only scored two points which was their lead at the final changeover.
The change of ends appealed to Toomevara and by the 72nd minute they were level again. Indeed they might have taken the lead but opportunities went wide of goal before Conor Stakelum scored his ninth point. However it was not enough to dampen the Toome boys and in one last attempt it was Kevin McCarthy who landed the equaliser to force a replay.
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