CHAMPIONS SARSFIELDS were beaten by Newtownshandrum as the Cork senior hurling championship roared into life this weekend.
Extra time was required as the 2000, ’02, ’05 and ’09 winners emerged victorious by 0-27 to 0-25 in Fermoy. Ryan Clifford scoring eight points for Newtown while Conor Twomey got six as they maintained their strong record against the holders.
Sars have won four titles in the last seven years but three meetings with Newtown in that period have all ended in defeat.
Newtown led all through, 0-13 to 0-7 in front at one stage, but Sars had enough in them to force level at 0-19 each by the end of 60 minutes with Cian McCarthy grabbing the levelling score. However, with John Paul King, Jamie Coughlan and Cathal Naughton all getting on the scoresheet too, Newtown finished strongly.
Earlier in Fermoy, last year’s premier intermediate champions Ballyhea had announced their return to the senior ranks with an excellent 1-19 to 0-11 win over Blackrock.
Eugene O’Leary’s 20th-minute goal had put the Magpies – last senior in 2003 – into a 1-6 to 0-5 lead and they pushed on to go in 1-11 to 0-6 to the good at half-time.
Seven points was the closest the Rockies could come in the second half as Ballyhea continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, with former Cork star Neil Ronan and young Pa O’Callaghan impressing in attack.
It was more straightforward for 2013 champions Midleton, who beat neighbours Killeagh by 0-28 to 2-8 at Castlemartyr.
Conor Lehane scored 11 points with Luke O’Farrell, Séamus O’Farrell and James Nagle each getting two for Jerry Wallace’s side. Daniel Landers and Andy Walsh got the goals for Killeagh, who trailed by 0-12 to 1-4 at half-time.
On Saturday evening, Bride Rovers had a 3-18 to 0-25 extra-time win over Bishopstown in Páirc Uí Rinn.
The Town led by 0-13 to 1-6 at half-time, with Thomas Murray and Pa Cronin on form while Stephen Glasgow got the Rovers goal. The East Cork side surged ahead early in the second half, with Barry Johnson’s frees key, but a pair of Murray points looked to have been enough for Bishopstown as they led by 0-14 to 1-9 late on.
Seán Ryan’s goal then put Rovers ahead only for Brian Murray to send the game to extra time. Ultimately, the third Bride Rovers goal, from Daniel Dooley was the key score. Bishopstown must face Sarsfields in the second round.
In Saturday’s other game, Ian McDonnell scored three goals with Stephen O’Sullivan and Pádraig Gould getting one each as Na Piarsaigh beat Youghal by 5-13 to 0-12 in Cloyne. Killeagh now meet Youghal in the losers’ round.
Results
Cork senior hurling championship first round
Ballyhea 1-19 Blackrock 0-11
Midleton 0-20 Killeagh 2-8
Newtownshandrum 0-29 Sarsfields 0-27
Na Piarsaigh 5-13 Youghal 0-12
Bride Rovers 3-18 Bishopstown 0-25
