Bannow-Ballymitty make drop
TWO EXPLOSIVE finishes from midfielder Noel Walsh sent Bannow-Ballymitty crashing out of Senior ranks while handing Sarsfields a further lifeline as they fashioned a thoroughly-deserved six-point victory in this WFC championship relegation play-off at Wexford Park on Saturday last.
Walsh struck for both goals, one in each half, at crucial stages, as it left Bannow-Ballymitty battling to remain in the game. While the New Ross District side went on to dominate the closing 20 minutes, they had left themselves with far too much to do, although it did take two superb saves from Sarsfields 'keeper Adam Doyle to deny them goals during that period.
While Sarsfields lived on a knife edge through the closing period, they showed the battling qualities that have seen them remain in Senior ranks since 1980, a record they will now put to the test when they meet Glynn-Barntown in the relegation final.
Sarsfields' desire to battle from the opening minutes helped them to eventual victory. After Warren Broaders had opened their account with a seventh-minute point, they struck for the game's opening goal one minute later. Seán Ó Corcora had a shot from ten metres blocked, but midfielder Noel Walsh was lurking on the 14metre line, taking full advantage to control the ball before delivering a low shot to the net.
Bannow-Ballymitty had to wait until the tenth minute for their opening score, a Gordon Rossiter point, but in a one minute spell Sarsfields centre-forward Paul Murphy exploded into the game. Having kicked an excellent 15thminute point, he won possession out on the wing one minute later, moving through the defence with control and skill. Having made some 30 metres cutting in from the left, he powered a low shot to the opposite corner of the net to give his side a 2-2 to 0-1 lead.
With Warren Broaders, Kevin Gore and Murphy continuing to pick off points, and Ben Brosnan having a pointed free in between for the opposition, Sarsfields looked comfortable when leading by 2-6 to 0-2 at the interval.
Within 90 seconds of the re-start, Bannow-Ballymitty defender Niall Murphy had an attempted pass blocked around 40 metres from goal. The ball broke to Noel Walsh who swept through the centre of the defence to power a superb shot to the net, giving his side a 13-point lead.
Bannow-Ballymitty, to their credit, battled back with points from Paudge Barden, Brosnan and Niall Murphy, before a superb save from 'keeper Doyle denied Barden a goal after 37 minutes. While Brosnan and Niall Harney continued to chip away at the lead, they still trailed by 3-6 to 010 with ten minutes remaining.
Sarsfields managed to lifte the siege with a Lee Walker pointed free and, try as they did, the losers were unable to break through for the goal they so badly needed to get something from this game.
Bannow-Ballymitty are now relegated back to Intermediate ranks, while Sarsfields are just 60 minutes away from preserving their long-held Senior status.
- BRENDAN FURLONG in Wexford Park
