An improved second half performance made certain of this victory and ensured White’s Cross bounced back from their opening round defeat to Douglas. They flew out of the traps and had three points on the board inside the opening five minutes. Full forward James Murphy continued his impressive form to kick all three points from play in this period. Though two further points from play from, arguably White’s Cross best player on the evening, Killian Ryan, ensured that that they lead by 0-05 to 0-04 at half-time, the overall performance was poor. Over-elaboration and many unforced errors allowed Na Piarsaigh to stay in the game and gave them confidence that they would follow up their league victory in March with a championship victory here.

The start of the second half was played out in a similar vein to the first. Disjointed play from both sides meant scores were scarce with a third Killian Ryan point being cancelled out by Na Piarsaigh’s fifth score. James Murphy coolly finished goal proved to be the turning point and put six points between the sides; 1-08 to 0-05. Further points from Sam Heffernan, Kevin Buckley, Conor Buckley and the aforementioned James Murphy ensured that White’s Cross had a comfortable enough cushion at the end. There were plenty of positives to be taken from the game but also plenty to work on for the next round where they play the winners of the St Finbarrs and Passage.

Team: Michael Osborne, Seán O Gorman, Breandán Murnane, Robert McElhinney, Cormac Manning, Bryan O’Sullivan, Donncha Murnane, Murt Kelleher, Kevin Buckley, Sam Heffernan (0-01) Conor Buckley (0-01) Dylan Burke, Killian Ryan (0-03) James Murphy (1-06), Edwin Buckley Subs: Richie Sherlock for Murt Kelleher