Sixmilebridge claimed the U21 hurling title in style last evening with a 4-14 to 1-10 win over Cratloe.
The ‘Bridge led at half time by 1-4 to 5 points and with two Jamie Shanahan goals midway through the second half they eased to their second U21 title in three years.
Sixmilebridge made up for the disappointment of losing the 2010 decider with an emphatic 13 point win over Cratloe at Cusack Park.
The sides were evenly matched and although “ The Bridge” went in with a two point lead at the break it was through two goalkeeping errors that was to prove the decider in the second half.
The first half was an even affair, Declan Morey’s 18th minute goal giving “The Bridge” the edge, while Liam Markham and Conor McGrath were the most lively for Cratloe.
After the break Cratloe came out onto the field like a team possessed and when Cathal McInerney goaled after great work from McGrath, the scene was set for an epic last 20 minutes.
However Shanahan pounced on a mistake by Cratloe goalkeeper David Collins to snatch his first in the 40th minute and when a long hoped for punt from Shane Golden dropped in behind Collins again in the 52nd minute to leave Sixmilebridge ahead 3-10 to 1-10 it was curtains for Cratloe’s challenge.
Shanahan added a second goal at the death to leave Cratloe heartbroken and Sixmilebridge celebrating.
