Last weekend saw another round of the JJ Kavanagh Senior Hurling Championship and it also saw both groups begin to tighten up. The opening game of the weekend was a most disappointing affair as Ballygunner saw off the challenge of Mount Sion. The Knockboy outfit led 0-9 to 0-3 at the break with Conor power and Pauric Mahony very much to the fore. Mount Sion continued to struggle but were handed a lifeline in the 51st minute with a goal from Eoin McGrath. Indeed it looked very much like leading to a grand stand finish. Ballygunner however settled again and against a Sion team "out of sorts" they completed the job with a 0-20 to 1-9 victory. Mount Sion manager will know there is plenty of work to be done particularly in the shooting department as his charges hit eighteen wides throughout the hour. In the other games in Group One Dungarvan maintained their challenge for a knockout spot as they beat a depleted Ardmore on a 1-22 to 0-11 scoreline while Tallow shocked Ballyduff Upper with a 1-13 to 0-15 win. Ballygunner remain on top of the group and are still unbeaten while Dungarvan and Mount Sion are just two points behind. Only two points seperates the bottom three Ardmore, Tallow and Ballyduff Upper.
Next weekend it's Tallow versus Ballygunner, Ardmore play Mount Sion while Ballyduff Upper take on Dungarvan. All to play for.
In Group Two De La Salle are leading the charge having beaten Fourmilewater at the weekend on a 1-16 to 0-11 scoreline. In Walsh Park Lismore had two points to spare over Roanmore 2-15 to 2-13 although it looked for long periods as though the city outfit were about to continue their impressive form. Reigning champions Passage were on the wrong end of a 1-21 to 2-15 scoreline. An Eoin kelly goal in the 28th minute saw the teams level at the break 1-8 to 0-11. It was Abbeyside however who gained the upper hand on the turnover and a goal from Gary Hurney in the 53rd minute saw them comfortably ahead 1-20 to 1-13. Passage however never gave up and a Conor carey goal in the 61st minute saw just three between the sides. Too little too late and Abbeyside held on for their three point win. Next on the agenda in Group Two table toppers de La salle will face Roanmore, Passage and Fourmilewater will both be eager for a win as the points will more than likely see them with qualification in their own hands. The all Western clash of Lismore and Abbeyside is intriguing as a win for the latter will see them leapfrog the Cathedral town lads.
Blues News
Young Blues Undone in RSC
A young Blues side were defeated by Shamrock Rovers 2-0 last Friday in the RSC in the SSE Airtricity league First Division. The Blues, who were without the experienced duo of Vinny Sullivan and Willie John Kiely due to suspension, and Kevin O'Connor, Thomas Croke and Mikie Rowe through injury, handed debuts to a number of players. Despite being on top of the game for large parts, Rovers struck twice to take the three points. Despite the defeat, the young players put in an admirable performance and will look for points again this weekend.
Finn Harps at Home Next Weekend
Following on from the defeat last weekend, the Blues are in RSC again this Friday with Finn Harps the visitors to the RSC. Kick-off in the RSC is 7.45pm.
U19 Friendly this Thursday
Last Sunday's scheduled friendly didn't go ahead, but the Blues U19s are back in action this Thursday, August 14th, in the RSC against St Saviour. Kick off is 7pm. Admittance to the friendly is free of charge and is a great chance to see our Young Blues in action before their season starts in a number of weeks.
Second Annual BBQ Family and Social Night
A big thank you to all who attended the Blues Supporters Club second Annual BBQ Family and Social Night that took place on Saturday August 9th in Jack Meades Bar and Restaurant. A large crowd enjoyed a great night and thanks to all who attended. Thanks also to Jack Meades for looking after everybody so well.
Blues Host FAI Summer Soccer
School This August
Waterford United's FAI/EFLOW Summer Soccer School takes place from August 18th to August 22nd in the RSC. Blues manager Tommy Griffin will be the head coach at the camp which will also have some Waterford United players as coaches as well as others visiting during the week. Book Online Now at: http://www.summersoccerschools.ie/
