Warwickshire 3-18
Leitrim 4-14
WARWICKSHIRE will face Longford on Easter Saturday in the climax to this year’s Allianz Hurling League Division 3B, though they had to endure an almighty scrap with Leitrim to emerge as winners by a single point in what was effectively a knock-out encounter at Pairc na hÉireann last Sunday.
Both John Reddan and John Bergin landed early scores as Warwickshire boasted an eight-point advantage midway through the opening half. A smart flick from Reddan released full-forward Bergin who made no mistake to tap beyond Paul McKiernan for the opening goal. Bergin was enjoying a decent opening half adding another point from 30 metres out before playing a part in creating a second goal when McKiernan denied him from point-blank range only to see Colin Moran net the rebound.
But Leitrim hit back with two goals before half-time. A powerful run from midfielder Liam Moreton ended in a shot evading Alan Shire to hit the back of the net, before a crossfield pass fell invitingly to Karl McDermott, who fizzed an excellent effort into the far corner of the net.
That momentum built before the change of ends was taken into the second half by Leitrim, who took a major stride forward with their third goal when Zach Moradi’s delivery wasn’t cleared by the Warwickshire defence, leaving McDermott the task of scooping up possession and firing home.
Warwickshire needed a score and found one through Sean Hennessy’s superb effort from distance — that had a galvanising effect as they burst forward once more through David Millea, the substitute moving into open space to send a pinpoint shot beyond a despairing McKiernan and into the back of the net.
Another Hennessy free restored a six-point lead for the home side, but Leitrim replied winning a penalty with 15 minutes remaining reducing the margin to three as O’Donnell goaled. Kevin Clerkin’s free-taking ensured Leitrim were right back in contention and they levelled matters courtesy of O’Donnell.
A tremendous claim and strike from Bergin restored Warwickshire’s advantage, before two moments settled the match — seconds before Sheedy stepped up to thump another cracking score from distance, Liam Moreton was given a red card. Leitrim couldn’t recover this time.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
DWAYNE SHEEDY (WARWICKSHIRE)
He came up with a crucial score in the final moments, capping an excellent performance from wing-back.
SCORE OF THE MATCH
John Bergin’s poise to claim possession, sweeping a 30-metre strike over the shoulder was a highlight from the full-forward, nudging Warwickshire back into the lead late on.
TURNING POINT
With Liam Moreton’s straight red and Dwayne Sheedy’s second long-distance belter, Leitrim’s final comeback was ultimately undone.
INTERESTING ASIDE
Warwickshire are hoping to overturn a two-game losing streak against Longford when they face the midlanders’ on Easter Saturday.
WIDES
Warwickshire: (5) 7
Leitrim: (5) 9
FREES
Warwickshire: (4) 7
Leitrim: (4) 10
YELLOW CARDS
Warwickshire: 1 (K O’Leary 63)
Leitrim: 4 (D McGovern 44; C Cunniffe 62; K McDermott 66; Z Moradi 66)
RED CARDS
Warwickshire: 0
Leitrim: 1 (L Moreton 65)
SCORERS
Warwickshire: J Bergin (1-4); E McCabe (0-5, 4fs); C Moran (1-0); D Millea (1-0); J Reddan (0-3); S Hennessy (0-3, 1f, 1’65); D Sheedy (0-2); C Robbins (0-1).
Leitrim: K Clerkin (0-10, 8fs, 1’65); K McDermott (2-0); P O’Donnell (1-2, 1-0pen); L Moreton (1-0); C Moreton (0-2).
TEAMS
Warwickshire: A Shire; T Kelly, D Kennedy, C Brough; D Sheedy, K Courtney, S Conlon; L Reale, P McCloskey; E McCabe, J Reddan, C Robbins, S Hennessy, J Bergin, C Moran. Subs: D Millea for McCabe (36 mins); S Brough for C Brough (45 mins); K O’Leary for Moran (59 mins).
Leitrim: P McKiernan; P Earley, M Domican, J Earley; K O’Connor, J Clancy, C Cunniffe; D McGovern, L Moreton; Z Moradi, P O’Donnell, K Clerkin; F Earley, C Moreton, K McDermott.
REFEREE: K Brady (Louth).
See More: Allianz Hurling League, GAA, Leitrim, Warwickshire
