O'Connor accuracy puts Newtownshandrum through

15/11/2009 - 18:43:41
Newtownshandrum (Cork) 1-17 Adare (Limerick) 1-14

Ben O'Connor's reliability from placed balls helped Newtownshandrum win through to the AIB Munster Club SHC final today as the Cork champions had three points to spare over Limerick side Adare in difficult conditions at Pairc Uí Chaoimh today.

The 2004 All-Ireland champions used their experience and skilful stick work to set up a provincial decider against Waterford champions Ballygunner on November 29.

Sixteen-year-old sharpshooter Declan Hannon led the charge for Adare, finishing with a fine tally of 1-13 - 1-10 of which was from placed balls.

Newtown led by 1-8 to 1-7 at half-time, with 1-6 of their scores from play and the O'Connor twins, Ben and Jerry, and speedster Cathal Naughton to the fore.

Hannon, who was a constant threat for marker Pat Mulcahy, blasted home a penalty to give the Limerick champions plenty of hope, just before the break.

It was a keenly-contested and exciting first half-hour of hurling, with the Adare backs determined to keep tabs on Newtown's dangermen. Two of them were booked inside the first five minutes.

Newtown struck the first three points of the second period but Adare, with Stephen Lavin closing Ben O'Connor down at every opportunity, fought back to level it at 1-11 apiece.

Stephen O'Connell, Brian Foley and Donnacha Sheehan also gave tremendously committed performances for Ger O'Loughlin's men, but Ben O'Connor's free-taking brilliance settled Newtown again and they came through another tough examination of their title credentials.