Ballygunner Triumph Over Na Piarsaigh in AIB Munster Club SHC Thriller
Ballygunner emerged victorious over Na Piarsaigh in a closely contested AIB Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final, winning 0-18 to 0-15. This match took place at TUS Gaelic Grounds, marking another significant event in their ongoing rivalry.
Ballygunner’s Path to Victory
The Waterford team’s victory allows them to advance to the semi-finals of the AIB Munster Club SHC. In the last four encounters, Ballygunner has outperformed Na Piarsaigh, further solidifying their dominance in this fierce rivalry.
Key Players and Team Updates
Both teams faced crucial absences. Na Piarsaigh was without their star player, William O’Donoghue. Meanwhile, Ballygunner missed their influential forward, Pauric Mahony. Despite these setbacks, the atmosphere was electric, with 2,667 fans attending the match, cheering for both sides.
Match Highlights
- Ballygunner secured the win by scoring five of the final six points.
- The game was tightly contested, with neither team fully showcasing their capabilities.
- Early points from Ballygunner came from Dessie Hutchinson, Harry Ruddle, and Mark Hartley, giving them an initial lead.
- Na Piarsaigh responded with scores from Peter Casey and Kevin Downes, keeping the game close.
Scoring Summary
At half-time, Ballygunner led 0-8 to 0-5, despite missing several scoring opportunities. In the second half, both teams exchanged points in a fierce contest, with Ballygunner’s Dessie Hutchinson ultimately pulling ahead with key scores during the closing minutes.
Final Scorers
| Team | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ballygunner | Dessie Hutchinson | 0-5 (3 frees, 1 65) |
| Ballygunner | Patrick Fitzgerald | 0-4 (1 65) |
| Ballygunner | Harry Ruddle | 0-3 |
| Na Piarsaigh | Kevin Downes | 0-6 (4 frees, 1 65) |
| Na Piarsaigh | Peter Casey | 0-3 |
With this win, Ballygunner has positioned themselves for a strong showing in the upcoming provincial semi-final against Sarsfields of Cork.