GWP Intermediate Semi-final – Aughwaillan v Gortletteragh

Aughawillan and Gortletteragh played out a tough physical encounter in the GWP Intermediate Championship semi-final yesterday in Páirc Séan MacDiarmada. Aughawillan emerged victors by 2 points in a game that was close and tense and could have gone either way. It was a draw at halftime with each team Scóring 5 points and it was Aughawillans Sean Quinn that opened the Scóring with a point from play. Gortletteragh didnt get on the scoreboard until the 11 minute with a point form Ciaran Egan. Aughawillan wasted a lot of chances and had a total of 6 wides in the opening half. Gortletteragh had dominated from the 19 to 27 minute when they clocked up 4 points, C McCrann (2), C Reynolds and P Keane. Aughawillan relied on Morgan Quinn and Barry Prior to steady the ship from play and placed ball as they brought the half time tally to 5 each.

The second half saw a reversal of the wides tally of the 2nd half as Gortletteragh were guilty of wayward shooting. Aughawillan restarted the half with a quick score from Shane Flanagan followed by a quick reply from Gorts Cathal McCrann. The key moment came shortly afterwards in the 6th minute when Aughawillan number 19 Ciaran Smith hit the ball passed Colm Canning to score the only goal of the game. This was quickly complemented by a point from Barry Prior. From the 8th minute until the 20th Gortletteragh pounded the resolute Aughawillan defence with only 3 points to show as they wasted many chances. One point separated them going into the last 10 minutes and this was increased by 1 for Aughawillan with a Morgan Quinn point from play. Gortletteragh responded with 2 from play to bring the game to a draw on the 23rd minute but it was Aughawillan who finished strongest as Quinn and Prior stepped up on the 28th and 30th minute with two fine points to claim their teams place in the final in 3 weeks time.

It was a physical encounter that wasnt very stylish at times but Aughawillan wont mind as they now await the outcome of todays Cloone v Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher clash at 4:30pm in Carrick.

Full Time score – Aughawillan 1-09  Gortletteragh 0-10

Referee:  James McCaffrey

 

 

 

06-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO