Fixtures & Results 2011 - ACHL Div 3

ACHL Div 3
10 Apr 2011


Rasharkin Hurlers start with full points

This was the first league game of the season being played at Dreen, the home side having qualified for the Ulster League Division 4 playoffs were hoping to continue there winning streak, but Cushendun were not coming to be beaten. This fixture always brings out the best in both sides; each club would want to collect maximum points early in the league.

Dominic McQuillan opened the visitors account after two minutes from a forty yard strike before midfielder Ryan Millar doubled Cushendun's lead after four. St. Mary's did have early chances but couldn't convert them to scores. The Glensmen opened up a three point lead when McQuillan landed an impressive seventy yard free after seven minutes. Declan McKay grabbed Rasharkin's first score after nine minutes, the same players settled nervous again as he smashed over another point two minutes later.

Cushendun's Brendan McSparran cracked the ball beyond James O'Mullan to raise the green flag after twelve following a long range effort from Eugene Duffin was saved on the line. The home side responded a minute later through Conor Hasson who collected possession on the fourteen and strike the ball to the roof of the Cushendun net.

Dominic McQuillan and Aidan Darragh exchanged frees before Rasharkin were given numerical advantage. Dominic Sherky was sent for an early shower by referee Gary Brown for an incident involving Damien McCaughey. Rasharkin replied instantly with a free by Aidan Darragh to tie the fixture. Dominic McQuillan for Cushendun gave the visitors a one point lead going in at half time with a well taken free from sixty yards.

The Rasharkin half time team talk had an instant effect; Declan McKay blazed the ball past Niall Campbell on the Cushendun line inside a minute of the restart. The same player added two further points before second half substitute Daniel Hasson gave Rasharkin a five point lead. McQuillan again for the visitors converted a free before Brendan McSparran flicked over an intelligent score to leave a goal between the sides.

Rasharkin half forward Aidan Darragh was forced off the field of play with suspected broken ribs and was replaced by Shane Hasson midway through the half.

Second half substitute Eoin McQuillan reduced the deficit to two on the stroke of full time to send heart rates racing along the side line. Man of the match Declan McKay put the game beyond Cushendun with a point in injury time.

This was a slow start for the home side but as the game progressed they showed some great passages of play. Joey Quinn, Brendan McMullan and Damien McCaughey were the pick of defence, Duirmuid Quinn and Thomas McMullan led from the middle as up front Aidan Darragh, James Scally and Declan McKay were the forwards to curtail McKay finishing with 1-5.

Cushendun can feel proud of the efforts by Conor McKay, Aidan Corbett, Niall McAuley, Matthew McCartan, Conleith McNeill, Brendan McSparran and Dominic McQuillan who finished on a personal tally of five points.

Rasharkin: James O'Mullan, John Doherty, Joey Quinn, Paul McMullan, Daniel McKay, Brendan McMullan, Damien McGaughey, Duirmuid Quinn and Thomas McMullan (Capt), Aidan Darragh, Kevin Agnew, James Scally, Daniel Doherty, Conor Hasson and Declan McKay.

Subs: Shane Hasson for Aidan Darragh, Daniel Hasson for Conor Hasson, Michael Hasson for Daniel Doherty and Conor McKeever for Daniel McKay.

Cushendun: Niall Campbell, Sean Hamilton, Conor McKay, Oisin McMahon, Aidan Corbett, Niall McAuley, Brendan Harvey and Ryan Millar, Matthew McCartan, Dominic Sherky, Eugene Duffin, Michael McHugh, Conleth McNeill, Brendan McSparran and Dominic McQuillan

Subs: Eoin McQuillan for Ryan Millar

Referee: Gary Brown (Con Magees Glenravel)