Minor hurlers through to semis
EOGHAN Rua's minor hurlers turned in their best performance of the season to narrowly beat Na Magha, 2-8 to 3-4, in the quarter-finals of the Derry championship in Dungiven last week.
The Coleraine side got off to a good start to lead 0-3 to 0-1 after seven minutes, Liam Frizelle, Conor carey and Colm McGoldrick from a free on target. Midway through the half Na Magha hit Eoghan Rua with a two goal blast in as many minutes, a further point had the Derry City lads five clear 2-2 to 0-3.
The last ten minutes of the half saw Eoghan Rua pull two points back through Colm McGoldrick frees as they went just three behind, 2-2 to 0-5, at the break. Eoghan Rua held the upper hand in the early stages on the restart but they had just one point to show for their dominance some ten minutes in.
However that changed in the 41st minute when full forward Paudie Mullan 'doubled' on a high ball to blast to the Na Magha net to put Coleraine back in front. Na Magha then had a spell of pressure but they missed two chances from '65s' before leveling midway through the half.
Coleraine then went ahead going into the final quarter with points from Liam Frizelle and Colm McGoldrick from free. It was then Na Magha's turn to put the pressure on. Twice in quick succession the Coleraine defence cleared dangerous attacks as goalkeeper Ruari Leonard denied the city boys goal chances.
With just eight minutes to go the Eoghan Rua defence was eventually breached as Na Magha hit their third goal to retake the lead by a point 3-3 to 1-8. With five minutes on the clock Na Magha were on the attack again but James Shannon cleared to Liam Frizelle who in turn found Conor Carey to race in and firmly plant the sliothar in the Na Magha net, Eoghan Rua back in front again.
Eoghan Rua had a couple of late chances to make the last couple of minutes less nervy as Na Magha pointed in added time to leave the minimum between the sides. Eoghan Rua did hold on to stake their place in the semi-final which will be played at Celtic Park.
Eoghan Rua: Conor Carey 1-1, Paudie Mullan 1-0, Colm McGoldrick 0-5, 0-4 frees, Liam Frizelle 0-2.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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