Raharney 0-17 Coolderry 0-14:RANK OUTSIDERS Raharney struck a significant blow for Westmeath hurling when they deservedly ousted Offaly champions Coolderry in the Leinster club championship quarter-final at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday.

Coolderry were made pay for first-half profligacy – they shot eight wides to the hosts’ one and also missed decent goal chances.

Brian Carroll and Kevin Connolly were a constant threat for Coolderry but Raharney managed to edge in front by the 25th minute and trailed by by just two points (0-10 to 0-8) at the interval.

Within three minutes of the third quarter, Raharney drew level and it was 0-13 each with 12 minutes remaining, an inspirational score from Brian Smyth levelling the scoring. Raharney’s increased self-belief was now evident and a fine point from Cormac Boyle and a huge free from Brian Connaughton put the home side two points to the good.

In the 50th minute, Damien Murray’s shot for a goal from a close-range free flew over the Raharney crossbar. The Offaly men failed to score for the remainder of the game as they kept searching for a match-saving goal. Raharney’s defence excelled in the closing stages and further points from John Shaw (a disputed free) and another great score from Smyth sealed a memorable win.

They progress to face Oulart The Ballagh next Sunday week.

RAHARNEY: A Doyle; R McKeogh, C Jordan, D. Carey; T Doyle, B Connaughton (0-2, frees), A Giles; N Flanagan, C Flanagan; C Boyle (0-2), J Shaw (0-7, 0-4 frees), B Smyth (0-4); B McKeogh (0-2), P Greville, D Riggs. Subs: F Boyle for Riggs (42 mins), J Boyle for B McKeogh (48 mins).

COOLDERRY: S Corcoran; A Corcoran, T Corcoran, B Kelly; D King, J Brady, K Brady (0-1); B Carroll (0-3), K Teehan; D Murray (0-6, 0-5 frees), B Teehan, M Corcoran; E Ryan (0-1), C Parlon (0-1), K Connolly (0-2). Subs: P Teehan for Ryan (44 mins), B O’Meara for M Corcoran (45 mins), M Ryan for K Teehan (51 mins), B Larkin for King (55 mins), D Masterson for A Corcoran (60 mins).

Referee: J Owens (Wexford).