Hayes hits hat-trick as Crokes outclass Cuala in SHC ‘A’

Ronan Hayes delivered a masterclass in finishing to steer Kilmacud Crokes to a clearcut victory (3-24 to 0-18) over holders Cuala in Saturday night's Go-Ahead Dublin SHC 'A' Group 3 clash at Parnell Park.

Dublin senior hurler Hayes scored 3-10 (0-6f) with his first-half hat-trick pushing Crokes 11 points ahead by the half-time interval.

Crokes were by far the more coherent force over the 60-plus minutes with Cuala missing a number of first-choice players due to injury or unavailability.

However, the opening quarter was evenly balanced with Ronan Hayes' brilliant ninth minute goal separating the sides at the first water-break, 1-6 to 0-6.

The Crokes full-forward drove at the heart of the Cuala defence before lifting the sliotar over Darragh O'Connell and then whipping it to the net past Seán Brennan on the half-volley.

During the second quarter Crokes took a firm control of matters with Alex Considine, Caolan Conway and Dara Purcell also doing well in a potent forward unit.

Considine hit four points from play in the opening half with Purcell clipping two fine points on the run as well as contributing well from overplay play.

Ronan Hayes added his second goal in the 20th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 26th minute and before the interval he had 3-3 (0-1f) lodged in his account as his side led by 11 points, 3-14 to 0-12.

David Treacy (who finished with 0-8, 0-7f overall) had converted five frees with his brother Seán hitting two from play for the Dalkey side in the first half.

In the second half Ronan Hayes added seven points to his first half tally including five frees as Crokes ran out 15-point victors.

On Sunday in O'Toole Park there were convincing victories for St Brigid's and Lucan Sarsfields. St Brigid's defeated Thomas Davis 2-24 to 0-12 in Group 3 while in  Group 2 Lucan outshone Setanta 1-24 to 0-8.