The hurling team had another useful workout against Erins Own’s second string in a game that was played at home on Friday night last 10th of July . There was some confusion about the final result with both sides believing that victory was theirs. However, the official scorekeeper, Chris Broderick (referee) had it that the teams should share the spoils. There was nothing controversial in any of this, rather, the confusion about the result is perhaps the greatest indication about how close the game was. This was ideal in a challenge game scenario as preparation for the championship hots up for both clubs.

As mentioned, this game was very competitive all through with never more than two points between the sides. In the opening period three pointed frees from Conor Buckley, a point from play from Donncha Murnane and another point from play by Kevin Buckley, after great work by Seamus Reid to set him up, put White’s Cross into a 0-05 to 0-03 lead. Then came the only goal of the game. There was very little goalkeeper Shane Cahill, who pulled off a superb reflex save later in the game, could do about it. The Erins Own forwards were dispossessed but as the ball broke, another forward pulled from very close range giving Cahill no chance of stopping it. Conor Buckley equalised with his first point from play. Erins Own went one up again before Kevin Buckley caught a long delivery from wing back Breandán Murnane before turning and pointing the final score of the first third to leave it level at 1-04 to 0-7.

The second 20 minute section saw the sides trade points with no side able to establish dominance. Conor Buckley opened the scoring with a free before the same player score an outstanding individual point after a long solo run through the centre of the Erins Own defence. Ross Murphy and Gearóid Fleming got the home side’s other two scores of this second period as the sides went for their second break again level on a score of 0-12 to 1-09.

In the final third of the game, we scored four points – two each from play and from frees. Regular free-taker Conor Buckley had departed as one of numerous changes made. Ronan Aherne and Seamus Reid shared the long range and close-in free taking duties respectively with both managing to raise white flags. Breandán Murnane, like he did against Glen Rovers, capped another fine display with a long range point while Max Philpott who is also in very good form, finished with a point after some fine team work. The visiting side from Glounthane also chipped in four points to leave the scores, as they were at the end of the first and second periods, level.