Moors go two from two in IHC

Donaghmore/Ashbourne came out on top of their second-round IHC clash with Drumree.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-18

Drumree 2-15

Donaghmore/Ashbourne came from behind on Saturday to secure their second win in the IHC with a victory over Drumree.

Michael O'Sullivan hit nine points and a brace of frees from him late on aloong with a Sean Doyle point got the men in green over the line

The Moors conceded a goal inside the first minute after Drumree hit a low strike from the 14-yard line. Daniel Doherty sent a point over in response. The two sides traded scores in the first 10 minutes and JJ McManus added his name to the score sheet.

Drumree went four points clear but two O’Sullivan dead balls followed up by a Seán Doyle point narrowed the gap before the interval, and at half-time Drumree led 1-9 to 0-10.

Drumree got off to a lightning-quick start after the break when they struck for a goal. A long ball in dropped short and caught out the Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence to allow a five-point gap to open.

The Moors then got a goal of their own. A tackle from Sam Benville in the half back line won possession, O’Sullivan then sprinted down the right wing before shooting. The shot fell short, but Colm Ó Méalóid had ran towards the edge of the square in anticipation. He managed to get between the Drumree keeper and full back to catch the sliotair, before turning and kicking to the net.

A tetchy period followed as both sides hit wides and the intensity rose, but Drumree held on to a three-point lead midway through the second period.

The Moors then hit a purple patch and scored 1-2 in the next five minutes to take the lead. Daniel Doherty fired to the net from close range after an O’Sullivan effort was deflected into his path. Patrick Moran and O'Sullivan also contributed with points.

Drumree levelled it again with five minutes to go, but they did not score again as Donaghrmore/Ashbourne sealed the victory with two more O’Sullivan frees and a Seán Doyle point from play.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne - Ben Mather; Fionnán Hogan, James McKeown, Cian Field; Sam Benville, Stuart Broderick, Patrick Moran (0-1); Colm Ó Méalóid (1-0), Shane Rea; JJ McManus (0-3), Seán Doyle (0-2), Davin Jones; Darragh O’Sullivan, Michael O’Sullivan (0-9), Daniel Doherty (1-3). Subs - Faolán Smyth, Seán Ward, Oisín Daly, Tom Ryan, Killian Hogan.