First half goals key as U20 hurlers reach All-Ireland Final

Tyrone 4-9  Wicklow 2-10

FOUR first half goals were enough to see the Tyrone U-20 hurlers into their first ever All-Ireland ‘B’ Championship Final (McElligott Cup) following this hard-fought victory over Wicklow in the semi-final in blustery conditions on Saturday at Darver.

It’s a victory which leaves the Red Hands in bouyant mood ahead of the final in two weeks time. They are due to play Down in the final, and will enter that game in confident mood of causing an upset.

This semi-final represented a golden opportunity for the Red Hands to reach a first ever All-Irelad final at this level. They made much of the running during the first of a tie which always proved entertaining despite being spoiled by the strong wind.

But that didn’t prevent Tyrone from racing into a good early lead. Senior player, Aidan Woods got them going, and then they really sent notice of their intentions thanks to the opening goal. It came courtesy of Liam Griffith who made no mistake with a rasping shot to the top corner.

Shea Munroe put them 1-2 to no score ahead soon after and they looked capable of really making their mark. The efforts of Ronan Molloy, Aidan Woods, Francie Hurson and Ruairi O’Sullivan ensured that they were in control.

Wicklow, though, had other ideas. The Leinster side probably had the main advantage of the wind in that opening period. A blitz of scores midway through the first half suddenly brought them right back in contention.

Points from Willie Cash reduced the deficit, before a 65 from Kenneth Cullen and then another point from Jack O’Toole left just the minimum between the teams. Swapped points between Kenneth Cullen and Aidan Woods edged Tyrone ahead gain, before the game dramatically sprang to life.

First Jack O’Toole speculative shot from out on the wing fooled the Tyrone goalkeeper and defence to put Wicklow ahead for the first time. However, their lead proved to be very shortlived as the Red Hands upped the tempo to really take control.

Moments later Liam Griffith grabbed his second goal to finish off a brilliant move also involving Correy Bell and Pearse Mullan. That goal left Tyrone now enjoying a 2-3 to 1-5 lead and things were to get even better for them soon after.

Two more goals before the half-time break looked set to really put them on the road to victory. Shea Munroe grabbed goal number three for them with a great shot to the net, before Pearse Mullin sent them to the break enjoying a commanding 4-3 to 1-6 lead.

All the indications seemed to point towards Tyrone maintaining the moment of their great first half display. But the high hopes of the Red Hands had to go through a lot of uncertainty before the victory that they sought was finally and ultimately secured.

Wicklow came out for the second half with renewed vigour. This was highlighted within minutes when Willie Cash pulled to the net following a goalmouth scramble. That goal reduced the deficit and gave the Garden county fresh impetus as they prepared to sustain their challenge.

Urgent action was being demanded from Tyrone to stem the tide before their opponents gained any further confidence. As a result, the opening stages of that second half, saw them consolidate and build upon their lead.

Cillian Kerr, Cormac McCrystal and an Francie Hurson all excelled in the defence as they withheld sustained pressure from Wicklow. Kevin Hughes and Fionn Corry worked hard at midfield and this in turn created more scoring opportunities in attack.

Five consecutive points cancelled out the blow of that earlier Wicklow goal and boosted Tyrone’s hopes as the minutes ebbed away. Liam Griffith, Aidan Woods, Shea Munroe, Eunan Campbell and Kevin Hughes all registered well taken points. Tyrone were now enjoying a 4-8 to 2-6 lead and victory appeared to be very much within reach.

But once again it was Wicklow who responded with determination and commitment. Points from Willie Cash and Kenneth Cullen within seven minute spell, left the issue very much in doubt for the closing stages. With the score now at 4-8 to 2-10 and only four points between the teams, the stage was set for a grand finale.

Wicklow went in search of the goal that would really set matters up for the finish. An injury to Aidan Gormley added to the tension, as Ruairi O’Sullivan, Ronan Molloy and Cormac McCrystal battled well. But a number of wides proved worrying before Aidan Woods lifted the siege to give Tyrone the breathing space they needed to hold on.

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