Barryroe v Blackrock
27 February, 2016
Blackrock 4-18 Barryroe 1-12
Barryroe Intermediate hurlers made the trip to St. Michael GAA grounds in Mahon on Saturday evening to take on Blackrock in their opening league game. With Barryroe's pitch out of action due to the weather, the venue was reversed. As we travelled to the game, one was struck by the snow on the side of the road, swollen rivers and flooded farm land. Yet, when we arrived in Mahon, an underage game was already in progress on their sand-based pitch where our game was also going ahead.
With a number of retirements from last season, it was chance for a number of young lads to make their debut. A slow start, with some early season defensive misunderstandings saw a much sharper Blackrock side gain two goals in the first five minuntes. Gradually, Barryroe settled but a distinct rustiness in shooting at goal led to the accumlation of seven wides along with two point blank saves from the Blackrock keeper. At half-time the score was 3-8 to 0-4. The second-half saw Barryroe continue to improve, with the second-half proving an even enough affair on the scoreboard. Barryroe's wide count rose to 15 by game end and the Blackrock keeper again had to make two further saves. The final score was Barryroe 1-12, Blackrock 4-18. With the cobwebs being dusted off, we will be hoping for an improved performance next Sunday against Dripsey.