Castlecomer claim crownfor first time

Leinster Schools SH A Final/Castlecomer 0-11 Kilkenny CBS 0-6: Castlecomer CS won their first ever Leinster Colleges senior …

Leinster Schools SH A Final/Castlecomer 0-11 Kilkenny CBS 0-6:Castlecomer CS won their first ever Leinster Colleges senior hurling A title yesterday, knocking holders Kilkenny CBS off their throne.

The winners made a flying start to this game, which was played in blustery and very cold conditions in Nowlan Park.

Taking control of the scoring, led by the excellent free-taking skills of Colin McGrath, they opened up an eight-point lead by the 26th minute.

The CBS found it tough to break Castlecomer down. They didn't have much luck in front of the posts either, and were held scoreless until midfielder Mark Kelly landed a point in first-half injury-time, 0-8 to 0-1.

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Gradually, the reigning champions came alive in the second half, drawing closer with points from Adrian Stapleton (2) and captain Mark Bergin.

Substitute Liam Ryan also bagged two points to close the gap, but a strong Castlecomer backline continued to defend doggedly.

Castlecomer managed to hold on to their advantage, and made sure of their first title at this grade with late points from corner forward Eddie O'Dwyer and McGrath (free).

CASTLECOMER CS:G Delaney; A Moran, G Morrissey, O Walsh; C Fogarty, K Mooney, P Boran; B Dillon (0-2), E Hickey (0-1);N Darcy, M Murphy (0-1), T Breen (0-1);C Maher, C McGrath (0-5, four frees), E O'Dwyer (0-1).

KILKENNY CBS:S Murphy; J Traynor, D Kenny, R Doyle; P Nolan, D Langton, E Malone; M Kelly (0-1),J Fitzpatrick; M Gaffney, T Langton, M Bergin (0-1);P Guinan, S Maher, A Stapleton (0-2). Subs: L Ryan (0-2)for T Langton, P Galvin for Guinan, M Bambrick for Gaffney.

Referee: J Owens(Wexford).