Senior hurlers make it back-to-back wins

National Hurling League Division 3B Round 2

Cavan 2-20

Warwickshire 2-9

Kevin Óg Carney at Kingspan Breffni

Hurling’s renaissance in Cavan gained further momentum on Saturday afternoon last at Kingspan Breffni when the county seniors made it two wins from two outings to date in the National Hurling League, Division 3B with an impressive victory over match favourites Warwickshire.

Cavan produced one of their best displays for many years in sending the Exiles back to their adopted home with nothing to show for their travels or endeavours and, in truth, the final scoreline didn’t do the visitors an injustice.

The hosts went about consolidating their opening round victory away to Longford last week with conviction, venom and a skill-set which hasn’t always been the imprimatur of Cavan hurling teams.

In truth, the blues had the spoils in the bag from a long way out with Warwickshire disappointing after a bright and promising start in what were perfect playing conditions.

Despite hitting the ground running, Warwickshire lacked the consistency of effort, spirit of endeavour and potency to match a Cavan side that never looked like anything but winners-elect from the end of the first quarter onwards.

In contrast to Cavan, the visitors’ lack of potency was the proverbial ball and chain which undermined their success in chiselling out a decent share of possession on the day.

The visitors were at their best in the early stages and they eked out a none-too flattering 1-3 to 0-2 opening quarter lead after the dangerous Luke Hands goaled with a clever overhead flick (8) netted.

The game was turned on its head though fifteen minutes later when Cootehill Celtic teenager Rían Delaney goaled after clubmate Diarmaid Carney’s shot was parried by Warwickshire ‘keeper Paddy Hands into Delaney’s path.

Delaney’s opportunist finish gave Cavan a lead (1-5 to 1-3) they were never subsequently to let slip. Surprisingly given their much higher ranking in hurling’s pecking order, Warwickshire laboured badly thereafter to eat into Cavan’s surprise but well-merited lead.

Cavan’s work ethic and greater spirit saw them amass an ever-increasing lead as the first half gathered pace. The hosts’ lead was upholstered greatly by the continued good scoring form of Kilkenny native Canice whose shoot-on-sight policy and prowess from frees consistently punctured Warwickshire’s defensive armour.

Warwickshire were boosted by the introduction of experienced sub. Jack Grealish after 16 minutes and his contribution gave Cavan’s defence much more to think about.

However, collectively, the visitors’ attack lacked a consistent ball winner and an eye for goal(s) that might have de-railed a gritty and confident Cavan side.

Cavan were sitting pretty in leading by 1-10 to 1-5 at half-time and they weren’t for turning. Indeed, once Anthony Sheridan sped through the middle before finding the net in the 43rd minute to make it a 10 point (2-12 to 1-5) game, the spoils were Cavan’s to lose.

With Kilkenny native Canice Maher continuing his fine form in the campaign and the Cavan defence repeating the fine form they showed in the opening round away to Longford, Warwickshire were made to play a game of catch-up that they never looked like mastering.

In truth, Cavan easily kept the Exiles at arms’ length in the run-in. Warwickshire did generally match Cavan in the scoring department in the final quarter and Grealish’s goal (61) from long-range cut the deficit to a more manageable eight points.

Predictably, Cavan finished much the stronger team though with messrs. Maher, Keatng and Carney putting the icing on the cake with neat points either side of the 70 minute mark.

Cavan will hope to make it a hat-trick of victories when they travel to Abbottstown (Dublin) to take on Lancashire on Saturday, February 25th with a place in the league semi-final now a realistic target.

Cavan: Darren Sheridan: Caolan Kelly, Dominic Crudden, Shane Briody; Jack Barry, Anthony Sheridan (1-1), Matthew Hynes; Dillon Mulligan, Rory Farrell; James Smith, Canice Maher (0-12, 7f), Colum Sheanon (0-2); Rían Delaney (1-1), D Carney (0-3), C Gargan.

Subs: Cillian Sheanon for R Farrell; Seam Keating (0-1) for J Smith; Gavin Fitzpatrick for A Sheridan; Tadhg Barry for D Crudden.

Warwickshire: Paddy Hands; Colm Shalvey, Tom Kelly, Steve Clarke; Michael Holland, Niall Eames, Matthew Keane; John Collins (0-1); Breen Fallon, Anthony Hands, Jack Lynch (0-1); Brendan O’Sullivan, Luke Hands (1-3), Kevin Murphy.

Subs; Jack Grealish (1-4, 2f) for J Collins; Noel Lenihan for B Fallon (h-t); Stephen Jordan for S Clarke; Oisin Coffey for J Lynch; Alex Hanley for K Murphy.

Ref: C Daly (Kildare)