TWO RICHARD Flynn second-half goals tipped the balance in favour of Rathnure as they fashioned a thoroughly-deserved eight-point victory over Oulart-The Ballagh in this keenly-contested AllCounty Hurling League Premier A final at Wexford Park on Saturday last.

The sides had been deadlocked at half-time, with Rathnure the more pleased having played into the strong breeze, but any hope the reigning Senior hurling champions envisaged of a winning effort were dispelled by the finishing power of Flynn who, along with the scoring exploits of Wexford reserve 'keeper, Dermot Flynn, comfortably saw off the challenge of their opponents in the second period.

Oulart-The Ballagh for some strange reason did not seem tuned in for this game, as they struggled even when wind assisted, leaving Rathnure to dominate for lengthy periods.

Even when they tried to increase the tempo of their game, they were unable to create chances, coming up against real stumbling blocks in Brendan O'Leary, Antony O'Connell and Mick O'Leary in the Rathnure defence.

Not even the introduction of Stephen Doyle during the second-half could bring the necessary improvement, although the wing-forward - still easing his way back following injury - did shoot two beautiful points, but their lack of a goal threat came back to haunt them in the end.

Rathnure returned to basics, playing a simple, direct style of hurling, and these qualities contributed to all three goals.

Admittedly they have lots to work on, but it was still one of their best team displays for some time and augurs well for the championship.

Inside five minutes, Oulart-The Ballagh had shot into a 0-3 to nil lead, with Garrett Sinnott on target for the opening two points followed by a Rory Jacob effort.

Rathnure registered their opening score in the ninth minute through a long Syl Barron pointed free. David Redmond and Nigel Higgins exchanged points before a Barron pointed free left the minimum (0-4 to 0-3) separating the sides after 18 minutes.

Oulart-The Ballagh were struggling to create scores, with only a long John Roche pointed free to show for their efforts, before Rathnure struck for the game's opening goal after 20 minutes.

Michael Redmond floated a long ball to the fringe of the small square which was steered home from close range by Dermot Flynn, putting his side in front for the first time (1-3 to 0-5).

David Redmond and Darren Nolan exchanged points, while Syl Barron closed the first-half scoring with a 70-metre pointed free, leaving the sides level (1-4 to 0-7) at the interval.

Rathnure got a massive boost within one minute of the re-start when a 70-metre high ball from Richard Flynn found its way to the corner of the net. Points followed from Nigel Higgins and two from Robbie Codd, leaving Rathnure leading by 2-7 to 07 just five minutes into the second-half.

They looked on their way to a comfortable victory until Garrett Sinnott stepped in, finishing a huge Lar Prendergast clearance to the net as the Rathnure defence hesitated, leaving just three points separating the sides.

After Michael Redmond and Stephen Doyle had exchanged points, Rathnure secured the title after 51 minutes. Syl Barron picked out Richard Flynn, and the wing-forward coolly found the net from 14 metres.

While the sides continued to trade points, iRathnure finished strongly, producing two points from Dermot Flynn, who looked quite energetic and accurate in attack.

Rathnure did manage to secure the league title, but manager Willie Cleary will still be asking his side to step up even further, while Liam Dunne will certainly be looking for a higher tempo from his charges once the championship resumes.

- BRENDAN FURLONG in Wexford Park