Camross make emphatic start with convincing win over Mountmellick
Kevin Byrne (Camross) spots and opening between Mountmellick's Oisin Hade and Jordon Downey and goes for it in the opening round of this year's PIHC Photo: David Maher
Laois Shopping Centre Premier IHC Rd 1
Camross 5-21
Mountmellick 2-16
Camross got their Laois Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship campaign off to the perfect start with a commanding 15-point victory over Mountmellick in Slieve Bloom this evening.
The sides met at the same stage of the competition last year when Mountmellick sprung something of a surprise with victory, but there was no repeat of that result as Camross produced an outstanding display to turn the tables in emphatic fashion.
Despite playing against a strong breeze in the opening half, Camross quickly seized control of proceedings. Matthew Collier opened the scoring before Pete Culleton levelled from a free for Mountmellick. However, the first major blow arrived soon after when David Mortimer broke through the defence and finished superbly to the net.
That goal set the tone for the contest. Although Jack Weston replied with a point, Camross hit their stride through scores from Lorcan Burke, Ben Deegan, Darrell Dooley (two) and Ashton Keenan, racing into a seven-point advantage inside the opening 10 minutes.
Oisin Hade briefly stemmed the tide with a well-taken point, but Camross continued to dominate. Rob Delaney, Matthew Collier and Mortimer all added scores, while Mountmellick struggled to gain any momentum despite points from Weston and Pete Culleton.
A dominant Camross half-back line featuring Eoin Dowling, Andrew Collier and Lorcan Burke ensured their side controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the first period.
Further goals from Mortimer and Ryan Cuddy widened the gap before half-time. Mountmellick responded with points from Finn Lyons, Finn Culleton, Jack Gorman and Pete Culleton, but Camross still took a commanding 3-13 to 0-9 lead into the break.
Mountmellick emerged with renewed energy after the restart. Finn Lyons and Jarlath Connolly hit early points before Pete Culleton pounced for an excellent goal to offer his side a glimmer of hope. Oisin Hade also chipped in with two fine points from play as Mountmellick enjoyed their best spell of the game.
However, Camross quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. Darrell Dooley and Ben Deegan continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over before goals from Deegan and Kevin Byrne put the result beyond doubt.
Culleton added a second goal from the penalty spot for Mountmellick, but Camross remained in total control, with Dooley and Deegan combining for five more points before a late Culleton free brought the contest to a close.
The result leaves Camross in a strong position ahead of their next encounter with Clonaslee-St Manman’s, while Mountmellick will look to bounce back when they face Clonad.
SCORERS:
Camross: Ben Deegan 1-7 (0-5fs), David Mortimer 2-1, Darrell Dooley 0-6, Kevin Byrne 1-1, Ryan Cuddy 1-0, Matthew Collier and Ashton Keenan 0-2, Lorcan Burke and Robert Delaney 0-1.
Mountmellick: Pete Culleton 2-6 (1-0 pen, 0-4fs), Oisin Hade 0-3, Jack Weston and Finn Lyons 0-2, Finn Culleton and Jarlath Connolly 0-1.
CAMROSS: Cillian Tiernan; Michael Phelan, Dan Breen, Bryan Bredin; Eoin Dowling, Andrew Collier, Lorcan Burke; Kevin Byrne, Matthew Collier; Robert Delaney, Darrell Dooley, Ashton Keenan; Ryan Cuddy, Ben Deegan, David Mortimer.
Subs: Robert Lalor for Delaney (47m), Robert Delaney for Phelan (57m, inj).
MOUNTMELLICK: Jimmy Hilliard; Aidan Byrne, Liam Connolly, Eli Colbert; John Connolly, Laurence Kenny, Jake Colbert; Jack Gorman, Jack Weston; Finn Lyons, Jordan Downey, Oisin Hade; Finn Culleton, Jarlath Connolly, Pete Culleton.
Subs: Rory Culleton for John Connolly (44m), Tadhg Culliton for Kenny (47m).
Referee: Anthony Stapleton (Rathdowney/Errill).
