It has been a landmark week for the senior hurlers of Dr Crokes GAA club who registered their first points as a senior club in their county league clash with Ballyduff at the weekend.
With home advantage, Dr Crokes gave an early indication that they were up for it when a brace of points, from frees, by Michael Lenihan was followed by excellent points from play by David Carroll and influential midfielder Anthony Keogh.
Ballyduff responded, as expected, to keep it close but Michael Lenihan converted two more frees before half-time to leave the scores level, at 0-6 each, at the break.
Ballyduff gained some momentum early in the second half to take a three-point lead and it looked as if the game could be sliding away from Crokes.
However the Killarney club, who have been learning that life is tough going in the top tier this season, dug deep and responded well to stay in the game.
Some excellent scores from midfielders Jack Lenihan and Anthony Keogh rallied the troops and Crokes, all of a sudden, were back on level terms.
With the Killarney club’s backs taking control and the midfielders working hard and covering great ground, the Dr Crokes forward division gradually began to find gaps in the Ballyduff defence.
A great goal chance was created and full forward Colm O’Cuiv was denied by a brilliant save by the Ballyduff ‘keeper but Crokes kept up the pressure.
Dr Crokes had a brilliant last quarter hitting seven points from play, three from Michael Lenihan, two from Anthony Keogh and one each from Jack Lenihan and David Carroll to ensure they stayed ahead for a memorable win.
This win was well deserved and a reward for all the hard work being done by strength and conditioning coach Aidan O’Mahony and hurling coach Conor Bohane.
Team and scorers: Conor Bohane (captain), Cathal White, Declan Hickey, Gary O’Connor, Nathaniel Doncel, Mike Milner, Patrick Crehan, Jack Lenihan (0-1), Anthony Keogh (0-3), Michael Lenihan (0-9; 0-6 frees), David Carroll (0-2), Aaron Murphy, Rob Ryan, Colm O’Cuiv, James Murphy.
Subs: Michael O’Keeffe for Rob Ryan (injured); Owen Hayes, Shane Kavanagh, Rory Waters, Mark O’Connor.
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