Plunkett’s finish strong to edge out Faughs in race for SHC ‘A’ quarter-final spot

St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh booked their berth in the last eight when defeating Faughs, 1-22 to 1-17, in Saturday's Go-Ahead Dublin SHC 'A' Group 4 Round 3 clash at Parnell Park.

Inspired by the likes of Cian Boland, Niall Arthur, Cillian Hayes and Seán Clerkin, Plunkett's put in a powerful last ten minutes to join Ballyboden St Enda's from the group in the quarter-finals.

Faughs led 1-16 to 0-16 in the 50th minute, their goal coming five minutes into the second half from sub Liam Mostyn, however Plunkett's outscored their opponents 1-6 to 0-1 over the conclusion to seal victory.

Cian Boland ignited their scoring surge when he intercepted an attempted handpass out of defence before engineering room for his shot to the net.

He added two further points before the finish to tally 1-4 from play with Niall Arthur hitting a point from play and tapping over a penalty in added time. The former Clare U21 scored 0-12 in total (0-5f, 0-1 '65', 0-1pen).

Plunkett's had led by two points at half-time, 0-11 to 0-9, but Faughs restarted the better with Fergal Heavey driving over the crossbar from 20 metres.

Their goal arrived in the 35th minute when a long sideline broke inside for Liam Mostyn, who had just been introduced, and he finished to the net.

Faughs' James O'Brien, who had an excellent game and scored 0-10 (0-6f), hit three points in succession between the 38th and 40th minute to move his side 1-13 to 0-12 clear.

Superb points from Cian Boland and Niall Arthur kept Plunkett's very much in touch but Faughs moved a clear goal in front, 1-16 to 0-16, coming into the last ten minutes with scores from James O'Brien (two frees) and Fergal Heavey, who was placed by O'Brien with a perfectly weighted pass.

But from there to the finish Plunkett's lifted their game to run out five-point victors.

The opening 30 minutes was something 'of a half of two quarters!' 

Faughs hit the opening two points before Plunkett's scored seven points without reply to lead 0-7 to 0-2 at the first water stoppage.

However, the Faughs were the stronger in the second quarter and by the break Plunkett's lead had been reduced to 0-11 to 0-9.

James O'Brien and Peter Shaw had opened the scoring for the Tymon North outfit but when Plunett's settled they gained the upperhand.

With Cian Boland playing in a defensive role but using his long-range accuracy to telling effect the Navan Road side were soon level courtesy of scores from Ben McSweeney and Seán Clerkin, showing good strength to break free of his marker.

Seán Clerkin then had a goal opportunity but his effort was well saved by Faughs keeper Eddie Hogan.

Before the water stoppage Niall Arthur converted two frees, a '65', as well as scoring from play and Oisín Boland also got in on the scoring act to propel their side into a 0-7 to 0-2 advantage.

Two fine Faughs points from Jack McVeigh broke Plunkett's chain of scores but Niall Arthur was quickly moving the scoreboard for Plunkett's with a free and point from play following good work by Tom Cullen.

James O'Brien enjoyed an impressive quarter to hit three points, including one free, with Peter Shaw's point making it 0-10 to 0-9 to Plunkett's before Oisín Boland extended that to a two-point interval lead with his second point of the contest.

In Saturday's other Go-Ahead Dublin SHC 'A' Group 4 contest Ballyboden St Enda's ensured their topped the group with their third win from three starts when outclassing Scoil Uí Chonaill 2-27 to 1-9 in O'Toole Park.

Boden were always in command and raced into a 2-6 to 0-0 lead by the first water stoppage on their way to a 2-14 to 1-1 half-time lead.