Roscrea worn down by Upperchurch

County Hurling League Division 1 Semi-Final

 

 

Upperchurch/Drombane 1-18

Roscrea 0-14

 

MATCH DIGEST

Man of the Match: Paudie Greene (Upperchurch/Drombane)

SCORERS – Upperchurch: Paudie Greene 0-10 (7 frees, 1 65); Laughlin Ryan 1-1; Gavin Ryan (free), Michael Lee, Colm Ryan, Jack Butler, Colm Stapleton, Paul Shanahan, Ger Grant 0-1 each.

Roscrea: Jason Fitzpatrick 0-8 (7 frees); Shane Fletcher 0-2; Sam Conlon, Shane Davis, Conor Sheedy, Evan Fitzpatrick 0-1 each.

 

A second half red card proved to be costly for Roscrea as they fell to Upperchurch/Drombane in this County Hurling League Division 1 semi-final on Sunday.

Centre back Shane Davis picked up a second yellow card six minutes into the second half at the time the game was a contest and initially Roscrea responded well hitting the next four points to go two in front but in the final quarter, Upperchurch found the spaces with Gavin Ryan to the fore as they set up a final with Drom & Inch.

However, but for eighteen wides, twelve in the first half, Upperchurch could have been well in control, even at half time when they trailed by two points but their greater experience came to the fore in the final quarter with the introduction of Colm Ryan and Colm Stapleton off the bench helping unlock a stubborn Roscrea defence up to then.

For a Roscrea side building to be come a championship contender, this was a timely lesson after a fine run through the group stage but with the pressure increased a level in this game, they just didn't have the scoring threat up front without the unavailable Darragh Tynan and Luke Cashin, relying heavily on Jason Fitzpatrick frees for scores.

However, the likes of Joe Carroll, Shane Davis and Shane Fletcher provided greater leadership and they will take a lot of positives into the start of the championship in a couple of weeks time.

 

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