AHL1 Round-up: 19-22 July

A strong second-half performance paid dividends for Ballyboden St Enda’s at St Mobhi Road on Saturday afternoon, when they recorded an impressive 1-15 to 1-9 victory over Na Fianna in a top of the table Adult Hurling League Division One clash.

Na Fianna were high on confidence heading into this game, following their comprehensive 12-point triumph (4-19 to 1-16) over Cuala at Shankill three days earlier. This ensured that they were at the summit of the top-tier division, and although they remain in pole position with just two games remaining, ‘Boden are now just behind them on score difference.

An early goal from Paul Ryan helped the southsiders to find their groove, and this was quickly supplemented by a Paul Doherty point. Na Fianna forced their way back in contention as the half wore on, before a brace of Conal Keaney scores moved ‘Boden back into the ascendancy.

Conor Dooley (goalkeeper for Dublin during their Championship campaign, but an outfield player on this occasion) and Shane Durkin were also on target in the latter stages of the half, but incisive attacking play by Na Fianna meant that the sides were on level terms - 1-6 apiece - at the break.

This set the tie up perfectly for a nail-biting second period, and despite coming under pressure from the Glasnevin outfit at various junctures, contributions from Simon Lambert (two) and Doherty placed them in the driving seat as the final-quarter approached.

Netminder Gary Maguire, Colm O’Neill and Lambert were keeping a tight rein on the Na Fianna forward line by this point, and with Dooley and Conor McCormack leading by example at the opposite end, they created further daylight between the teams.

The versatile Dooley added three successful frees to his personal tally, as Ballyboden held out for a hard-earned six-point win.

Elsewhere, St Vincent’s moved up to seventh place, after they recorded a commanding 4-23 to 1-12 success at the expense of Naomh Fionnbarra at Pairc Naomh Uinsionn. Vinnies were looking to build on recent encouraging displays against Na Fianna and Craobh Chiarain, and thanks to a strong midfield showing from Ronan Fallon, they were given the platform to place their Cabra counterparts on the back-foot.

Excellent scoring returns by John Hetherton, Conor Burke, Alan Moore and Neal Billings kept the scoreboard ticking away, and they ultimately eased towards their third win of the season.

Cuala’s midweek loss to Na Fianna was their third in succession, but after they received a walkover from Kilmacud Crokes on Saturday, they are just three points off the division’s pace-setters with a game in hand.

Parnell’s registered a much-needed 2-16 to 1-18 victory over St Jude’s at Chanel last Wednesday, while Craobh Chiarain edged a Friday night encounter with O’Toole’s at Clonshuagh with four points to spare (3-17 to 1-19).