Tuam men run riot in putting St James’ to the sword
Tuam Stars 4-15
St James’ 2-9
Patrick Earley in Corofin
TUAM Stars blew a hapless St James’ off the park in Corofin on Saturday, coasting to a 12-point victory which, in truth, could have been an awful lot more, to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the championship.
This was a performance of real class by Tommy Carton’s side and though the quality of the opposition has to be considered, to kick 4-15 and put nine wides along with it, is a great day’s work all in all.
The movement and off the shoulder running by Tuam would have troubled any defence and as the make-up of their total of 4-15 suggests, there’s no reliance on one or two players to carry them over the line.
There is a fine balance to this side and their next outing against another coming team, Claregalway, will be a real litmus test for both sides.
Of course for Tuam Stars, there is the added benefit that three teams qualify from this group for the quarter-finals given the presence of two of last year’s semi-finalists in Annaghdown and Corofin, so this win has guaranteed them of their place in the last eight.
Finding themselves qualified with a game to go is an enviable position but with performances like this, it’s easy known why they are in the position they find themselves.
There was only one team in this one right from the start but despite their dominance, Tuam Stars weren’t putting the scores on the board in the early exchanges. They kicked all nine of their wides in the first half and only seven points which indicates an astonishing turnaround at the break.
The Stars struck 4-8 in that second half, converting every shot they had at the target but it became all too easy too early for Tuam as St James’ offered very little resistance.
The city side just didn’t look to be operating in the same headspace as the men in red and that showed in their performance, their attitude and body language.
Tuam started with an eagerness and intensity which left St James’ trailing in their wake and pointed inside the opening minute through Michael Mannion. They kicked five wides in the opening 10 minutes, however, and after 15 minutes, only led 0-3 to 0-0.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
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