Disappointing loss results in relegation playoff for our senior hurlers

Full time score: Bride Rovers 0.16 Kilworth 0.14

Kilworth came up short last Saturday evening against Bride Rovers in the 3^rd and final game of the round robin series of the Co-Op Superstores SAHC. The scene was set in Glanworth pitch on a fine evening for a game of hurling. 

The first score of the match came from a free by Noely Mac in the fourth minute. Bride Rovers answered this by scoring 5 points of their own until another free from Noely Mac saw Bride Rovers leading by 3 at the first water break. Kilworth seemed to be unsettled for the opening quarter of the match playing too loose. Bride Rovers were winning the majority of the breaking ball in this opening stage. 

Kilworth settled and came into the game in the second quarter. Points from Jamie Sheehan, Noely Mac and Goalkeeper Kieran Walsh saw Kilworth get the next 5 points in a row to give them a lead of 8 points to 5. Captain Liam Whelan was at the heart of most of the possession winning great ball for Kilworth. Great defence from the Kilworth backs prevented Bride Rovers from scoring until the 31^st minute just before the half time whistle blew. This point ended the Rathcormac sides drought which lasted 13 minutes, despite having 6 free chances struck wide. Kilworth led by two points at half time on a scoreline of 0.8 to 0.6. 

 A well needed win was within our grasp and hopes were high at half time, however the Imokilly side withheld the win from Kilworth. A slow start to the second half with 3 unanswered points from the Rovers side put them ahead by 1. Brian Sheehan found the target for Kilworth in the 10^th minute scoring from play to level the sides again. The final 15 minutes of the game would be crucial for Kilworth to push ahead from the Bride Rovers side. The sides were level 26^th minutes into the second half for the fifth and final time. Despite huge efforts all over the field by Kilworth and a denied goal chance, Bride Rovers took the lead by 3 points nearing the end of the match. Points from Noely Mac and Liam Whelan made it a one point game with only 2 minutes to go. A final point from Bride Rovers saw them secure their place in the knockout stages of the championship.  The game was there for the taking and a goal at any stage could have won it for us. The second half was a tough battle that ultimately Bride Rovers won. Injuries on the day proved to be a loss that could be factored into this result. 

Despite their best efforts Kilworth will now face Killeagh in a relegation playoff. We wish the team and all involved the best of luck. Hopefully we get the desired outcome to retain our senior hurling status for another year. Great credit is due to the lads who put up solid performances in all games in their first year playing senior hurling championship. History was made for our club and we are all very proud of ye. The club would like to thank Sean O’Brien Kilally Stable for their continued support and sponsorship for these matches and to all our sponsors, your generosity does not go unnoticed.

Team and scorers: Kieran Walsh 0-1f, Maurice McNamara, Nathan Byrne, Austin O’Hara, Dave Twomey, Eoin McGrath, Tom Twomey, James McCarthy, Jeremy Saich, Eoin Carey, Liam Whelan 0-1, Will Condon, Jamie Sheehan 0-1, Noel McNamara 0-10 (0-9f) and Brian Sheehan 0-1. 

Subs used: 24. Michael Sheehan for 17. Tom Twomey.