INTERMEDIATE HURLING LEAGUE Rd.2
Sun.23rd March 2003

 BRIDE ROVERS 2-10   -   BALLINCOLLIG 1-10
Bride Rovers Intermediate Hurlers secured their first win in the Irish Examiner sponsored Intermediate Hurling League with a three point win over Ballincollig. Following our defeat to Youghal in the previous round it was important to get a win at home to Ballincollig, who have regraded this year to Intermediate from Senior.
Bride Rovers got off to a blistering start with a goal from Pat Cotter after 2 minutes...just the start the Rovers needed. Ballincollig replyed with a pointed free from Derek Beale. Rovers forwards were getting lots of possession & added to their tally with points from Pat Walsh & Terry Broderick. Ballincollig agained replied with 2 more pointed frees from Beale. However further points from Team Captain Sean Ryan & wing-back Brian Murphy had the Rovers leading by 4 points. With the Rovers playing with a strong wind more scores were required & these came courtesy of Barry Hazelwood who scored a fine goal, first timing the ball to the net following good defensive work by Niall Fitzgerald & a long clearance by Brian Murphy. Barry added a point just before half time to leave the score; Bride Rovers 2-05 - Ballincollig 0-03.
Playing against the wind in the second-half we knew we would have a tough battle on our hands. Ballincollig immedaitely reduced our lead with points from Derek Beale, Michael O'Brien & Jeff O'Connell who was now playing Full-Forward. Rovers replied with points from Sean Ryan & Barry Hazelwood. 
Colm O'Keeffe was playing well in goals, Brendan Walsh, Pat Barry, Aidan Collins  were doing well in the Full-Back line against the Ballincollig Forwards, as were James & Brian Murphy in the half-back line. Barry Murphy at Centre-Back was clearing alot of ball as well. Nevin O'Regan was battling well in midfield along with Donal Ryan & later Patrick O'Driscoll. The forwards as a unit were working hard to stem any Ballincollig attacks.
Ballincollig added to two further points from frees but the Rovers replied with two vital points from Barry Hazelwood at an important stage in the game. Following a Ballincollig attack, a high ball was dropped into the square which resulted in a goal for Ballincollig & reduce the deficit to 2 points. Pat Walsh wrapped up the scoring for the Rovers with his second point of the game & secure a 3 point victory for the Rovers.
Final Score: Bride Rovers 2-10  -  Ballincollig 1-10
Team & Scorers:
Colm O'Keeffe, Brendan Walsh, Niall Fitzgerald, Pat Barry, Brian Murphy (0-1), Barry Murphy, James Murphy, Nevin O'Regan, Donal Ryan, Padraig Murphy, Pat Walsh (0-2), Terry Broderick (0-1), Pat Cotter (1-0), Sean Ryan (0-2), Barry Hazlewood (1-4).
Subs: Aidan Collins, Patrick O’Driscoll, Barry Johnson.