Kilkenny SHL- Second half grit sees Graigue Ballycallan claim notable win over Bennettsbridge

A determined Graigue Ballycallan outfought Bennettsbridge to claim a three point victory in terrible conditions at the Kells Road on Saturday afternoon.

Ballycallan were competitive in their opening defeat to James Stephens and they continued that upward trajectory when overturning a half-time deficit to come out on top.

Ballycallan relied mainly on the free taking exploits of Sean Ryan but with Aaron McEvoy and Ryan Corcoran both putting in big attacking shifts, the winners had a good variety to their game.

Bennettsbridge may feel that they left this one behind after they hit a huge number of wides but one big positive for the defeated side was the return of David Blanchfield from injury and he was the best player for the ‘Bridge in scoring three points from play.

It was a tight and tactical affair throughout but Bennettsbridge almost had a dream start when Sean Morrissey was denied for goal after only three minutes of play.

Aaron McEvoy stood out throughout the 60 minutes for Ballycallan and he got the scoring underway with two fine points from play before Bennettsbridge replied via Sean Morrissey.

Further efforts from Sean Ryan and Ryan Corcoran maintained the Ballycallan advantage before the ‘Bridge got back on level terms through scores from Nicky Cleere and Enda Morrissey (0-4 to 0-4).

A trio of Sean Ryan frees then pushed Ballycallan back in front but it was the ‘Bridge who ended the half on top with points from Morrissey, Cleere and Jack Campion giving them a narrow lead at the break.

Bennettsbridge had the aid of a strong breeze at their backs in the second half and when David Blanchfield and Nicky Cleere shot over successive scores, the 2021 league champions looked in a decent position.

The ‘Bridge were unable to maintain that momentum however and only scored three more points in the remaining 20 minutes or so.

Slowly but surely Ballycallan picked away at the deficit until Sean Ryan levelled and subsequently edged his side in front at the start of the final quarter.

Two more David Blanchfield points wasn’t even enough to stem the Ballycallan flow with the Eugene Cloonan trained outfit edging over the finish line as a result of late scores from Sean Ryan and Ryan Corcoran.

The result will be a huge relief to Ballycallan after they failed to win any of their league games last term and this boost gives them plenty to build on for the rest of the campaign.

Teams and Scorers

Graigue Ballycallan: Sean Ryan (0-10, 0-9 frees and 0-1 ‘65); Ryan Corcoran (0-4); Aaron McEvoy (0-3)

Bennettsbridge: Nicky Cleere (0-4, 0-4 frees); David Blanchfield (0-3); Enda Morrissey, James Hughes, Sean Morrissey (0-2 each); Jack Campion (0-1)

Graigue Ballycallan: Ciaran Hoyne; Darragh Egan, Conor Flynn, Stephen Keoghan; Tom Dunphy, Richie Keoghan, Killian Egan; Tommy Ronan, Jeff Neary; Ryan Corcoran, Colum Prenderville, Aaron Brennan; Billy Ryan, Aaron McEvoy, Sean Ryan.

Subs: Conor Murphy for K.Egan 38 mins; Jesse Roberts for Prenderville 45 mins.

Bennettsbridge: Enda Cleere; Danny Coyne, Enda Morrissey, Daniel Murphy; Shane Byrne, David Blanchfield, Conor Murphy; Bill Hughes, Kevin Blanchfield; James Hughes, Sean Morrissey, Timmy Kelly; Nicky Cleere, Stephen Holden, Jack Campion.

Subs: Jason Cleere for Byrne h-t; Hugh O’Neill for Holden h-t; Ciaran Brennan for J.Hughes 51 mins, Jamie Harkin for Kelly 55 mins.

Referee: Peter Burke