Munster Express Online

Ballygunner 3-20;   De La Salle 0-14

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Champions Ballygunner gave their championship ambitions a much-needed shot in the arm when they had a surprisingly easy Group 1 win over the 2008 title-winners in Walsh Park last Sunday. In truth, this game was decided well before the finish as De La Salle simply had no answer to their opponents’ scoring power.

The Gunners went into this game with a definite plan which they then carried out to perfection. David O’Sullivan lined out at wing-forward but it soon became obvious that he was going to play as an extra defender, thus allowing both Fergal Hartley and Alan Kirwan to keep a close eye on De La Salle dangerman John Mullane.

Up front, Ballygunner employed a two-man full-forward line of Brian O’Sullivan and Pauric Mahony who wore down their markers before running riot in the second half.

The large crowd settled down for what they hoped would be a close battle but it soon became apparent that the Gunners were a bit sharper than their rivals. With Ballygunner leading by 0-3 to 0-1 after five minutes, an excellent team move involving Pauric Mahony and Shane Walsh gave JJ Hutchinson the opportunity to find the back of the De La Salle net with a smart finish.

It was Hutchinson’s goal which separated the teams for the majority of the half as Ballygunner added on points through the unerring Stephen Power, Pauric Mahony and the impressive JJ Hutchinson. In reply, De La Salle were reliant mainly on frees which were converted by Brian Phelan, John Keane and John Mullane who had a surprisingly quiet afternoon from general play.

At half-time Ballygunner led by 1-8 to 0-8 but were forced into a change when the long-serving Fergal Hartley picked up an injury, However, Wayne Hutchinson, returning from injury, was not a bad substitute to bring in and illustrated the strength in depth of this Ballygunner outfit.

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