Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B: Wicklow 2-17 Roscommon 0-7
Roscommon hurlers, under new manager Johnny Kelly, got a rude awakening when they met Wicklow in their first league fixture in Division 2B at a bitterly cold Athleague last Sunday. From the throw-in, Wicklow, with the aid of a strong breeze, went on the attack and they led by 1-7 to 0-0 after only ten minutes, with the impressive Andy O’Brien scoring the goal after four minutes.
Roscommon’s first score came after twelve minutes with a well-taken point from Naos Connaughton. Other Roscommon scorers in the first half were Shane Curley and Robbie Fallon, who added three frees. Chris Moorehouse scored Wicklow’s second goal from the penalty spot after 20 minutes. Roscommon could never really get going and Wicklow continued to dominate and led at half-time by 2-11 to 0-3.
There was an improvement in the Roscommon performance in the second half but it wasn’t helped when Alan Moore got a red card after fifteen minutes. Roscommon introduced a number of subs late on but Wicklow went on to win easily.
Best for Roscommon were Jerry Fallon, Pat Nolan, Shane Curley and Robbie Fallon. Meanwhile best for an impressive Wicklow side were Christy Moorehouse who scored 1-7, man of the match Andy O’Brien, and Gerry Connors
Roscommon: Jerry Fallon; Allan Moore, David Loughnane, Pat Nolan; Michael Beirne, Peter Kellehan (Captain), Eamon Flanagan (0-1); Shane Curley (0-1, free), Jason Kilkenny; Adam Finnerty, Ronan O’Meara, Robbie Fallon (0-3, all frees); Cathal Kenny, Naos Connaughton (0-1), John Coyne. Subs: Conor Coyle for O’Meara, Warren Boyle for Kenny, Gearoid Egan for Finnerty, Adrian Murphy (0-1) for Fallon, Gary Fallon for Flanagan.
Roscommon will have to improve as their next fixture is a tough one, next Sunday against Down in Ballycran, Co. Down in Round 2.
