Cole's early goals propel champions into quarter-finals
With their championship ambitions hanging by a thread champions Trim did what the had to do when the defeated Na Fianna 3-15 to 2-14 in the SHC at Rathmolyon today.
The victory ensures they progress to the quarter-finals along with Kiltale while Na Fianna were edged out much to their disappointment. Kildalkey and Ratoath progess into the semi-finals as the two top teams in Group A while Dunboyne and Killyon also make it into the quarter-finals from Group B.
Trim couldn't have asked for a better start on Rathmolyon's splendid pitch maintained by local man Terry Pearle. Neil Cole's fired up troops home two goals inside the opening five minutes, both scored by Joey Cole.
Na Fianna never really recovered from that double whammy so early on. They trailed 0-8 to 2-8 at the break and Trim were never headed after that with Mikey Cullen grabbing a late goal for them. Brian Dowling and James Murray both hit four points for Trim with one of the latter's scores coming from a sideline cut.
Na Fianna kept battling and scored two late goals from Seanie Martin and Rian Kelly but the concession of those early goals proved to be blows they never really recovered from.
SCORERS
Trim - Joey Cole 2-0; Mikey Cullen 1-0; Brian Dowling 0-4 two fees, one '64'; James Murray 0-4. Dylan Farrell 0-2; Ciaran O'Rourke 0-1; Conor Quigley 0-1; Sean McGee 0-1; Alan Douglas 0-1; Mikey Cole 0-1.
Na Fianna - Mark Slevin 0-5; Barry Slevin 0-5 two frees, two '65s'; Rian Kelly 1-0; Seanie Martin 1-1; Rory Fagan 0-2; Luke Kelly 0-1.
TEAMS
Trim - Charlie Ennis ; Ger Dwane, Luke Moran, Ciaran O'Rourke; Conor Quigley, James Toher, Sean McGee; Dylan Farrell Joey Cole; Gary Fleming, James Murray, Alan Douglas; Mikey Cole, Mikey Cullen, Brian Dowling. Subs - Ian Bermingham for Toher 27 mins, Dimmy Higgins for O’Rourke 46m, Ciaran Joyce for J Cole 58m, Arnie McGee for Dowling, Davy Murtagh for Farrell both 61m.
Na Fianna - Eoin Reilly; Ronan Byrne, Noel Sullivan, Oisin Bright; Ethan Devine, Evan Mullally, Luke Kelly; Sean Coffey, Sean Martin; Peter Slevin, Mark Slevin, Barry Slevin; Will Flynn, Shane Walsh, Rory Fagan. Subs - Cian Slattery for Mullally 37 mins, Rian Kelly for Flynn 60m.
Referee - Mark Reilly (Kilmessan).