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Hurlers make point – again and again

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

New York 3-17

Boston 0-8

By Frank Brady

This game was 45 minutes late starting. The New York hurlers were almost tiring from warming up as the Boston players sauntered casually to the dressing room. Apparently the Bostonians thought that they were scheduled later in the day. So much for instant information in this high-tech generation.

Eventually the game got under way with New York stamping their authority almost immediately on the proceedings. Tom Simms goaled after being well set up by Sean Nolan. Kevin Kennedy chipped over a point before Brian Naughton registered Boston’s first score. Center forward Bobby Ryan stretched New York’s lead with a good goal. New York continued to dominate with great long-range points being sent confidently over the bar by Nolan and Kevin McKee.

On a counterattack, Boston’s best player, Mattie Forde, forced Finbarr Flord to parry a great shot. Boston continued to press, but they were getting little change from a New York defense in which Peter Dalton was resolute; the halfback line of Tadgh O’Callaghan, Owen Cummins, and Donal Fitzgibbons were masterful. Up front, Kevin Kennedy continued to pulverize and punish the Boston rearguard as New York sat on a comfortable 2-7 to 0-3 lead with Boston’s other scores coming from Hopper McGrath and James Kinsella.

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At the break, New York made a number of substitutions. Fintan O’Shea came in to the fullback line, while the full forward line was revamped. John Madden looked uncomfortable in the unaccustomed full forward role and was consequently deployed out the field to play his skills to better effect. Brendan Cagney has had much better days and he seemed off the pace. Into the fray came Mike Kennedy and Michael Carroll, with the latter being impressive.

Little changed on the turnover as New York continued to dominate with their greater fitness levels becoming a more telling factor. However, Boston were first to score, a point by John Millea. John Madden slotted over a point before Mattie Forde punished a poor defensive clearance with a point. Owen Cummins launched over a great effort from the halfway mark before Michael Carroll forced a great save from the Boston keeper, Clinton Hennessy. Still, as the game wore on New York continued to pile up scores with long-range efforts from Simms, Cummins, Fitzgibbons, Carroll and a goal from Leo Sheehey. Even liberally substituting didn’t slow the New York scoring machine as they ran out easy winners.

Given the token resistance offered by hastily assembled Boston squad, it is difficult to assess the significance of this victory. However, Manager Kieran O’Sullivan was happy with the outcome and delighted to have got the match practice. Though Boston were outclassed in most areas, Mattie Forde, Hopper McGrath, Dara Kealy, and Seamus Hickey fought gamely to the end.

New York: Finbarr Flood, Sean Quirke, Peter Dalton, Seamus Pender, Tadgh O’Callaghan, Owen Cummins, Donal Fitzgibbons, Tom Simms, Kevin McKee, Sean Nolan, Robert Ryan, Roy Henley, Kevin Kennedy, John Madden, Brendan Cagney. Subs: Mike Kennedy, Fintan O’Shea, Michael Carroll, Sean Shepherd, Pat Barry, Leo Sheehey.

Boston: Clinton Hennessy, Alan McCarthy, Seamus Hickey, Seamus Moore, Liam Barron, Dara Kealy, John Dowling, Sean Power, John Millea, Hopper McGrath, Brendan Morrissey, Mattie Forde, Brian McNaughton, James Kinsella, Richard Kingston.

Referee: Barney Breen.

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