Our Intermediates narrowly failed in the attempt to win the NK Intermediate Championship for the third year in a row last evening in Tom Healy Park, Abbeydorney. The field was in fine shape but the weather conditions impacted the quality of the hurling with the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto an unwanted feature. St. Brendan's were quick out of the blocks and built an early lead despite playing into the teeth of the wind, thanks in part to a well taken shot to the roof of the net after 20 minutes. Despite a series of wides, Lixnaw did manage to steady the ship after this and closed the gap to 4 points prior to the break.
Both teams seemed to cope better playing against the wind and exchanged scores in the third quarter before a scramble in the St. Brendan's goalmouth led to a Lixnaw goal and reduced the deficit to one. Brendan's doubled this as the game entered the closing stages and the final moments of drama, when a scrap for possession in the Brendan's box was won by Tadgh Brosnan, who was then brought to ground and a penalty awarded. The latter struck accurately but a combination of the conditions and an excellent save from the keeper kept the shot at bay and the chance was gone.
Congratulations to St. Brendan's, who were worthy winners on the night and commiserations to our lads who never threw in the towel and nearly snatched the win. Thanks to Joe Murphy and his team, who officiated the game well and to Abbeydorney for having the pitch in such good fettle.
Both teams seemed to cope better playing against the wind and exchanged scores in the third quarter before a scramble in the St. Brendan's goalmouth led to a Lixnaw goal and reduced the deficit to one. Brendan's doubled this as the game entered the closing stages and the final moments of drama, when a scrap for possession in the Brendan's box was won by Tadgh Brosnan, who was then brought to ground and a penalty awarded. The latter struck accurately but a combination of the conditions and an excellent save from the keeper kept the shot at bay and the chance was gone.
Congratulations to St. Brendan's, who were worthy winners on the night and commiserations to our lads who never threw in the towel and nearly snatched the win. Thanks to Joe Murphy and his team, who officiated the game well and to Abbeydorney for having the pitch in such good fettle.