White’s Cross went into this game as table leaders against a side that were close to the bottom of the table and would have expected to win the game given the form to date. Though eventually the side managed to eek out a victory, this was a very hard fought game and they can consider themselves very lucky to have won. Mayfield made the early running and were six points to two up after a quarter hour. Full forward Shane Cahill threw his side a lifeline with a well taken goal. There was an element of good fortune here as despite the excellent execution from Cahill he had benefited from a poor kickout from the Mayfield goalkeeper. Unfortunately, this goal did not inspire the team as it was Mayfield that kicked on and lead 0-11 to 1-03 at half time. Indeed had not been a great save from goalkeeper Rory Teehan and some great defending by Richie Sherlock, Sean O’Gorman and Sean Twomey (who was outstanding on his debut), the lead would have been much greater.
As it was White’s Cross had a big job ahead of them in the second half to reel in a dominant Mayfield side. White’s Cross introduced the experienced Murt Kelleher and Paul O’Sullivan and both had a big impact on the game. Murt Kelleher brought his experience to the middle of the field and brought a lot of calm to the proceedings. White’s Cross turned the ball over easily in the first half while in the second half with Kelleher’s ability to hold up the ball and set other players up meant that we were able to hold onto possession better. With more possession , White’s Cross were able to turn this into scores.
Billy O'Hara
The crucial score was the second goal scored by the experienced Paul O’Sullivan. Rob Troy also had a very solid game in the corner. Starved of possession in the first half, he saw more ball in the second which allowed him to get on some ball and set up scores. Mayfield were always in contention and as the scores showed they ended up with 15 scores on the evening to the winners 13. Their dominance was not as pronounced in the second half though and the crucial goals proved decisive in a win for White’s Cross.
Team. Rory Teehan, Sean O’Donnell, Sean O’Gorman, Richie Sherlock, Sean Twomey, Colin Sisk, Dan O’Sullivan, Cathal Quinlan, Seamus Quinlan, Adrian Buckley, Conor Docherty, Alfie McEvoy, Shane Cahill, Rob Troy.