Second half comeback sees Camross advance to semi-final

Laois Shopping Centre Premier IHC q/f 

Camross 1-12 

Clonaslee/St Manman’s 0-13 

CAMROSS have advanced to the Laois Shopping Centre Premier IHC semifinals with a two-point victory over Clonaslee/St Manman’s in the LOETB Centre of Excellence on Thursday night.

Camross pulled off a brilliant comeback in the second half after being four points down at the break with Clonaslee/St Manman’s full value for their lead.

Sub David Mortimer who came on just before half time changed the game in the second half with his outstanding free taking and his all-round play led his side to victory. They now progress to face Ballyfin in the last four.

Camross opened the scoring with a point from Lorcan Burke which was quickly cancelled out by two quick points from Clonaslee/St Manman’s through Tom Smith and Niall Corbet.

Oisin Bennett then levelled up matters but Clonaslee/St Manman’s were dominating but were very wasteful in front of goals.

Smith and Liam Senior added another two points with 20 minutes on the clock. Ciaran Keenan added a point for Camross in the 22nd minute and it was to be their last score of the half.

Clonaslee/St Manman’s hit the last three scores of the half through Shay Foynes and two Smith frees gave them the advantage at half time with the scores at 0-7 to 0-3 in favour of Clonaslee/St Manman’s.

It could and should have been more but their poor shooting would end up costing them in the game.

They started the second half the brighter with two points, one from Paddy Hyland and Ger Reilly got his name on the score sheet to extend Clonaslee/St Manman’s lead, and it was looking good for them.

David Mortimer started to have an influence on the game and hit over two points from frees. Smith and a long range from James Young replied for Clonaslee/St Manman’s.

Camross then came roaring back into the game, Mortimer landed another two frees and started to make chances for his side.

Craig Carroll got another to leave four in it 0-12 to 0-8 before the only goal of the game came in the next score.

A long free from Darryl Dooley dropped short and evaded everyone and found the back of the net and now it was game on with eight minutes left.

Conor Mortimer then hit an inspirational score to level up matters and all the momentum was with Camross at this stage.

David Mortimer then put his side into the lead with a classy point from play and then added another as his side now had a two-point lead going into the final stretch.

Aaron Carroll added another point for Camross and now Clonaslee/St Manman’s needed a goal to send the game to extra time, they did have a free which goalie James Young came up and his effort was blocked on the line and went over for a point as Camross hang on for a semi-final place.

SCORERS:

Camross: David Mortimer 0-6 (0-5fs), Darryl Dooley 1-0, Lorcan Burke, Oisin Bennett, Ciaran Keenan, Craig Carroll, Conor Mortimer and Aaron Carroll 0-1 each.

Clonaslee/St Manman’s: Tom Smith 0-5 (fs), James Young (fs) and Paddy Hyland 0-2 each, Niall Corbet, Liam Senior, Shay Foynes and Ger Reilly 0-1 each.

CAMROSS: Thomas Dunphy; Michael Phelan, Daniel Breen, Aaron Carroll; Lorcan Burke, Matthew Collier, Jack Phelan; Conor Mortimer, Craig Carroll; Niall Bennett, Robert Delaney, Kevin Byrne; Ciaran Keenan, Ricky Bannon, Oisin Bennett.

Subs: David Mortimer for Keenan (30m), Emmett Bergin for Bannon (ht) Scott Coyle for Delaney (41m) Daryll Dooley for Bergin (48m).

CLONASLEE/ST MANMAN’S: James Young; Manus Dunne, Senan Bennett, Diarmuid Conroy; Rory Conroy, Liam Senior, Jack Owens; Bob Downey, Cathal Lee; Ger Reilly, Niall Corbet, Shay Foynes; Cian Conroy, Niall Corbet, Tom Smith.

Subs: DJ Callaghan for Foynes (54m), Willie Young for Smith (62m) Fionn Ownes for Dunne (64m).

REFEREE: Mick Cleere (Rathdowney/Errill)