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kilkennyobserver.ie
The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021
Hurling matters
Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
BENNETTSBRIDGE were crowned league champions on Sunday, following a 3-point win over Clara at Nowlan Park. Building upon recent success at both junior and intermediate level, this was the Bridges first senior silverware since 1971 – some 50 years ago. Playing against the wind in the first half, both sides appeared to be sounding each other out, as they traded scores. Neither side able to build any clear momentum or gain dominance in any area of the pitch. It would Clara that opened the scoring with a lovely point from Matthew Kenny. Bennettsbridge responded with a free from the very accurate Nicky Cleere. The bridge nudged in front thanks to a fine point from Liam Blanchfield. Clara then hit two in a row to edge ahead. The joy of going ahead was tempered by a nasty looking hamstring injury to former county star Lester Ryan, which forced him from the action. Clara keeper Kevin Nolan then made a fine save from Liam Blanchfield to prevent a certain goal. Despite playing with the wind, The Waterford influence on the Bennettsbridge team was clear to see as they were playing a short strongrunning game. This resulted in the odd ‘heart-in-mouth’ moment for the Bridge defence as Clara pressed high to try and force the opposition into mistakes near their own goal. At the first water break, Clara led 0-6 to 0-5, the only cloud, the injury to key man Lester Ryan. Nicky Cleere notched his 3rd score of the day before Liam Ryan edged Clara ahead. The sides would draw level on seven occasions during a tense first half but it was the ever-reliable Cleere that would get the final score of the first period to leave Bennettsbridge 0-10 to 0-9 ahead at the short whistle. The second half began with Clara on the attack, going in search of the equalising score. Their first couple of attempts failed to raise a flag, as the game started to spark. It would be that man Nicky Cleere that registered the first score of the second period following yet another indiscretion by the Clara defence. Following Clara’s fourth wide of the half, Bennettsbridge struck again following nice play which
Bridge bag league title with Clara victory An exciting Q/F awaits against holders Ballyhale A watching brief Brian Cody casts his eye over the players on show
Clara on the attack
