Denning double helps Delvin win title

MJS Building and Development Westmeath Under-13 Division Two Hurling Final

Delvin 4-5, Southern Gaels 3-7

A determined finish by Delvin saw them capture the Westmeath Division Two hurling title at the expense of Southern Gaels in an exciting final played in Rochfortbridge last Saturday.

Delvin made the early running and opened with three points in the first quarter. Their defence was well marshalled by Patrick Gill and they forced Gaels into hurried shooting, resulting in a number of wides.

However, the Athlone side recovered well in the second quarter and, driven on by Sam Meegan, they scored 3-2 without reply. Meegan, operating at centerfield, accounted for 2-2 of the score as he dominated proceedings. Aodhán Fallon added a third goal as Southern Gaels controlled matters. However, a late rally by Delvin saw Dara Clune net from close range to leave the half-time score at Southern Gaels 3-2 Delvin 1-3.

Ryan Denning, Delvin's most potent forward on the day, got the opening score of the second half as he pointed to reduce the deficit. Points from Daniel Crosbie and Aodhan Fallon extended Gaels' lead again.

Delvin introduced a number of subs in the third quarter and it saw them regain control of the game. Goals from Aaron Poynton and player of the match Ryan Denning saw level the game with ten minutes remaining.

The last ten minutes were fought out in a welter of excitement as each side strove for victory. Gaels seemed to have swung it as points from Senan Kelly, Adam O'Brien and Sam Meegan pushed them ahead. But a Delvin point from Denning left them just two adrift with three minutes remaining.

As the north Westmeath side pushed for victory it was Denning who again obliged with a goal, with two minutes left, to secure the title for his side. Gaels worked hard to snatch a draw but to no avail.

Delvin were well served by Patrick Gill and Liam Coyle in defence with Conor Clune and Michael Fitzgerald also contributing throughout. However, it was the marksmanship of Ryan Denning which ensured victory.

Southern Gaels had sterling performers in Cian Mannion, Sam Meegan, Daniel Crosbie and Aodhán Fallon.

It was a highly entertaining game throughout with great skill and endeavour from both sides and all players can be proud of their performances in providing a game displaying all that is good about hurling. Frank Brennan was an excellent referee and the venue was in top class condition for this wonderful occasion.

Delvin: Rhys Williams; Niall McEnroe, Tommy Murphy, Liam Coyne; Ben Denning, Patrick Gill, Shane Darby; Conor Clune, Dara Clune (1-0); Rian Williams (0-1), Michael Fitzgerald, Ajay Gopalakrishnan; Loran Massey, Evan Moore, Ryan Denning (2-4). Subs used: Aaron Poynton (1-0), James Fox and Trevor Nyagono.

Southern Gaels; Nathan Quigley; Cillian Lee, Cian Mannion, Tom O'Keeffe; Shane Cahill, Daniel Crosbie (0-1), Conal Lambe; Ryan Cunningham, Sam Meegan (2-3); Senan Kelly (0-1), Adam O'Brien (0-1), Robert Connor; LJ Kelly, Aodhán Fallon (1-1), James Cahill. Subs used: Ben Gilligan, Eoin Hardiman and Fergal Kelly.

Referee: Frank Brennan.