Kilkenny IHL- Blacks and Whites claim crucial win over Carrickshock

Newly promoted Blacks and Whites moved a step closer to securing their intermediate status after securing victory in a high scoring affair with Carrickshock.

It was a game that ebbed and flowed throughout but ultimately it was Blacks and Whites class up front that told.

Sam Byrne, Jamie Byrne and Niall Kennedy all netted goals as the Skeough boys secured a second league win of the year.

An injury hit Carrickshock benefitted from star forward Eoghan O’Neill scoring two goals off the bench but this latest setback mean Richie Power’s side look to be in relegation trouble.

A blistering start was half the battle for Blacks and Whites as they found the net twice in the opening five minutes as they stunned Carrickshock with a relentless beginning to proceedings.

Even before the sliotar hit the net, both sides had early chances for goal with Jake O’Dwyer and Seanan Doyle both going close for the various sides.

It wasn’t long until there was a goal though as Jamie Byrne broke clear to score for Blacks and Whites.

Carrickshock barely had time to find their bearings by the time their opponents had got a second goal when Sam Byrne fired past Dan Blanchfield.

The ‘Shock looked in deep trouble at this point but luckily for them, the reply was instant as a pinpoint pass from Michael Rice found Kevin Farrell and he brilliantly shot the ball past Keelin O’Grady.

Further points from Rice, Kevin Farrell and Jamie Power then brought Carrickshock level but they could never get their noses in noses in front and Blacks and Whites finished the half the better to lead by five at the break (2-10 to 1-8).

A 34th minute goal from half-time sub Eoghan O’Neill gave Carrickshock further reason to be optimistic but just when they looked to have their opponents in their sights, the 2022 junior champions struck for goal once more and it was James Kennedy who got the final touch on this occasion.

O’Neill did get a third goal for Carrickshock late on but it arrived too late in the day as rather fittingly, Blacks and Whites ended the scoring with a goal of their own as Sam Byrne took his tally to 2-2 for the afternoon.

A really enjoyable end to end game but it’s Blacks and Whites who left Inistioge much the happier ahead of the final round of the league this weekend.

Teams and Scorers

Blacks and Whites - Sam Byrne (2-2), Niall Kennedy (0-7, 0-5 frees), Ryan Murphy (0-6, 0-3 frees and 0-1 ‘65), Jamie Byrne (1-2), James Kennedy (1-0), Martin Kelly (0-1)

Carrickshock - Eoghan O’Neill (2-1), Jamie Power (0-7, 0-3 frees), Kevin Farrell (1-1), Eoin Crowley (0-2), John Power, Michael Rice, Sean Grace (0-1 each)

Blacks and Whites - Keelin O’Grady; Jamie Ryan, Michael ‘Cro Maloney, Tommy Joyce; Ian Foley, Paul Murphy, Niall Kennedy; John ‘Nipper Lennon, Aidan O’Dowd; Seanan Doyle, Martin Kelly, Jamie Byrne; Sam Byrne, Ryan Murphy, Jason Byrne.

Subs used: James Kennedy and Daire Murphy.

Carrickshock - Dan Blanchfield; Eddie Dunphy, Paidi Lennon, James Grace; Sean Moore, Michael Rice, Joseph Aylward; Mikey Murphy, Jake O’Dwyer; Kevin Farrell, John Power, Kieran Conway; Jamie Power, Eoin Crowley, Damian Walsh.

Subs: Barry Lennon for O’Dwyer 5 mins, Niall Tennyson for Grace 18 mins, Eoghan O’Neill for Conway h-t, Sean Grace for B Lennon 44 mins.

Referee - John Walsh