Senior Hulers through to Ulster League Semi

Davitts 1-13 Gael Chambhainn 1-10Saturday night saw us take the trip to Slaughtneil to compete in the Ulster Hurling League quarter final against Tyrone opponents Gael Chamabhainn.We were well prepared for this game and couldn’t wait for it to start. Unfortunately from the throw-in, midfielder, Sean Prenter sustained a cut above his eye enforcing us to use a blood sub – Martin Tully. The start to the game was cagey with both teams trying to work each other out but we started to get into our rythmn and despite playing against the wind forged into a 0-3 to 0-2 lead, two points to Paul Morgan and one to Canice Mooney. At this stage we were controlling the game, defensively sound with good support from midfield enabling us to create may scoring opportunities for the forwards.Our next score was a fortunate goal, a high ball into the square was miscontrolled by the Gael Chamabhainn keeper and somehow the ball trickled over the line and into the net extending our lead to 1-3 to 0-2. Following a foot injury to Gary Dunlop, Sean Prenter returned to the action and Martin Tully, who had been inspirational in midfield, replaced Gary as a permanent sub.Sean Prenter then cancelled out a Gael Chamabhainn free before our opponents hit 1-2 unanswered to edge into a one point lead. However, another Sean Prenter point levelled the match and this was the final score of the first half. We started the second half at a high tempo reeling off five unanswered points. Paul Morgan (0-2) and one apiece for Sean Prenter, Peter Carleton and Sean Smith. We were well on top and an exchange of points (Paul Moragn) maintained our five point lead. As with the first half we had a lapse of concentration which allowed our opponents back into the game.They struck four points to leave the minimum margin between the teams and a hectic and exciting last five minutes ensued.Once again we regained our composure and rose to the challenge with a well taken Paul Morgan free before the score of the match from Sean Prenter stretched the lead to three and proved to be the final score of the match.This was an exciting and great display of hurling from both teams and on the balance of play we were deserving victors. While we had excellent performances all over the park, Tommy Toland in goals, Gerard McNally at full back, Darren O’Neill in the half back line, Martin Tully in midfield, Paul Morgan and Sean Prenter in the forward line had exceptional games. We now advance to the semi-final stage and all players and management should take credit for the effort that they have put into training and matches to date. Check out the gallery link for photos of the game.Team: T Toland, G Cosgrove, G McNally, C McNally, M Rowntree, M O’Brien, D O’Neill, S Smith, S Prenter, P Morgan, S McGivern, R McEvoy, C Mooney, G Dunlop, P Carleton. Subs: J Davis, M Tully, C Maguire, P McCorry, P Carleton (Sen), F Cosgrove.