Fourteen-man Drom secure gritty win
Drom & Inch 2-16
JK Brackens 1-15
Report: Michael Dundon at Semple Stadium
A man down after only two minutes, a gritty Drom & Inch performance assured them of the victory over JK Brackens on Sunday that sends them through to the quarter-finals of the County Senior Hurling Championship.
Losing such a key player as Johnny Ryan after only two minutes following an off-the-ball incident would have scuppered many lesser sides’ chances of success but, with Podge Campion moving to centre half back instead, Drom’s reshuffled pack were at no stage overstretched by opposition who will feel they let slip a glorious chance of a famous victory.
There was a niggle in this contest all through which tested the patience of referee Johnny Dooley but thankfully good sense prevailed.
For the most part it was Drom who made the running. Though Lyndon Fairbrother’s penalty for Brackens after 16 minutes when Paddy Cadell was grounded brought the Templemore lads level at 1-2 to 0-5 and another Fairbrother point nudged ahead before the water break, Drom were always showing that bit better and by half-time they were 0-10 to 1-5 ahead.
It was not a great lead and Drom were going to face the breeze in a second half that would also test their stamina in the sultry conditions. And when Brackens fired over three points from Shane Doyle and Lyndon Fairbrother (2) inside five minutes to go ahead, the possibility of an upset was very much on the cards.
Questions were now being asked of Drom and their response was emphatic, David Collins rifling home a penalty in the 36th minute to restore their lead (1-10 to 1-8). Brackens were moving well however and by the 45th minute they were back on terms 1-12 each and again poised to make the push for home.
However, David Butler, who had come on as a sub for Drom showed his quality with a great goal in the 54th minute after he shook off his marker. This gave Drom a 2-13 to 1-13 lead and when Mikey Connors pointed their advantage was four with time very much against JK Brackens.
Brackens didn’t wilt however and they were driving forward to the finish in search of a levelling goal, however, they lost centre back Cathal Scully to a straight red card, while in the 66th minute Robbie Long ensured Drom’s victory with a fine point.
Drom have much to be pleased with win. Firstly, they are through to the quarter-finals with a game still to play and secondly, they have done it with some aplomb and go into the knock-out stages in a confident mood. David Butler’s contribution off the bench was inspiring but Michael Connors, Podge Campion, Robbie Long, David Collins and Seamus Callanan all had a big say in securing this important success.
This was a setback for JK Brackens who seemed well-placed to record a famous win. They never really capitalised on their extra man and can have no complaints about the result. Their main attacking threat came from Andrew Ormonde and Lyndon Fairbrother, though Shane Doyle did well when introduced. Further back Dean McEnroe, Neil Quinlan and Paddy Cadell played their parts.
Victory over Roscrea is now imperative if they are to have any chance of staying in the championship race and even at that they will be hoping Drom defeat Kiladangan in the third round in this group.
MATCH DIGEST
Player of the Match: Robbie Long (Drom & Inch)
Drom & Inch: Eoin Collins (6); Jamie Moloney (6), Kevin Hassett (6), Fintan Purcell (6); Robbie Long (0-2, 9), Johnny Ryan (NR), Podge Campion (7); Stevie Nolan (6), Emmett Moloney (6); John Campion (0-2, 6), Michael Connors (0-3, 7), David Collins (1-1, 7); Lorcan Campion (6), Seamus Callanan (0-6, 4) 7), Joey Maher (6).
Subs: David Butler (1-1, 7) for Maher (41); Michael Campion (6) for Nolan (44); Tommy Nolan for J Campion (50); Liam Ryan (NR) for P Campion (60+6).
JK Brackens: Darren Russell (6); Martin Delaney (6), Michael Egan (6), Martin Delaney (6); Lorcan Egan (6), Cathal Scully (6), Neil Quinlan (7); Paddy Cadell (7), Dean McEnroe (7); Shane Scully (6), Jordan Moloney (6), Conor Cadell (0-1, 6); Eanna McBride (6), Andrew Ormonde (0-3, 7), Lyndon Fairbrother (1-9, 1-0 pen, 0-8f) 6).
Subs: Shane Doyle (0-2, 7) for L Egan (HT); Jack Fogarty (6) for Delaney (53).
Referee: Johnny Dooley (Thurles Gaels)