Clarinbridge underline status as local hurling’s rising force

Castlegar 0-14

Ivan Smyth at Duggan Park

CLARINBRIDGE’S dominance at underage level continues as they claimed the U20 A hurling title when overcoming a slow starting Castlegar outfit at Duggan Park on Saturday.

Gavin Lee fired over 12 points as he produced a Man of the Match display. His brother David chipped in with four scores, all from play, as Clarinbridge withstood their opponent’s best attempts at a comeback.

In what is the first year that the reduced age grade came into effect, it felt fitting that Clarinbridge were the side to claim the county title as they look set to become the next big force in Galway hurling.

The South Galway club claimed the Minor A crown last November when beating Oranmore-Maree on penalties. This gave them their fifth title at this age grade in seven years. This is their second title in four years at the U21/U20 grade. Add in the fact that, last October ,they became only the third Galway club to win the Féile Division One Hurling title and it is clear to see that the ‘Bridge are in a healthy position talent wise.

Clarinbridge led this game by 0-11 to no score after 26 minutes and although Castlegar managed to fire over seven points without reply either side of half time, they never managed to get within one score of their opponents.

When Castlegar look back on this final, their wastefulness in the opening half will be a source of frustration. They missed their first nine shots on goal with six wides and three dropping short. Over the course of the game, they created more scoring opportunities (29 to 28), but their shooting woes in the opening half meant they were always chasing the game.

Both sides looked nervous in the early exchanges, struggling to find the target. Despite a Gavin Lee free in the first minute, Clarinbridge found it tough to make their early dominance count as they struck four wides in the opening 10 minutes.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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