During the second half of last Saturday’s replayed junior final Butlerstown midfielder Pat Matthews stayed down for treatment. In a game played at a high intensity a pause for breath was no harm at that stage. A shaken Matthews returned to his feet and referee resumed the action. Seconds later the number 17 chased down a 60-40 ball near the sideline in favour of his Ballinameela opponent. He threw himself head first into the challenge and into the line of fire to retrieve possession for his side.
That summed up everything you needed to know about this fascinating duel that will see a second replay take place on Saturday afternoon. Every clean strike of the sliotar has been hard earned over the last two weekends but despite the competitive and close exchanges, sportsmanship has prevailed throughout. Four points stands as the biggest lead for either side over the 153 minutes of hurling so far. Behind the score lines of 0-8 to 2-2 on day one and 2-14 apiece after extra time last time out, a number of different stories stand out and none more so than that of Butlerstown goalkeeper Ryan Butler.
In the Eastern final, Butlerstown started with Eric Power between the sticks and Butler on the bench. When introduced in the forward line, the youngster contributed 1-3 in a six point win over Kill. For the county final however trainer Ray Barry, former Waterford goalkeeper, opted for Butler in the number one shirt. With experience of the position garnered at underage, Butler blossomed in the role. On the first day out not only did he convert the equalising 65 in stoppage time but he also pulled off two stunning stops in the first half. The second of those would make an impression in any grade. From 21 metres out Brendan Phelan tried his luck with a powerful ground stroke that seemed destined for the top corner before Butler flung himself full length to somehow keep it out. Along with his shot stopping and accuracy, his booming puck outs put his side on the front foot. Last Saturday Butler finished with four long distance placed balls beside his name, three frees and one 65. Along with Butler, centre back and county minor Jim Power has proved a rock of consistency. After only striking four scores first time around, Butlerstown saw a significant improvement in that sector six days later led by Richie Barron and Tyrone Costello.
In the Ballinameela ranks their defensive unit has stood up on both days. The left flank of the defence containing Aiden Browne and Colin Walsh shone in the first drawn game. Last weekend full back Eamonn Walsh, more known for his football skills, gave a tour de force with John Harrington also coming to the fore. Jim Curran’s 14 point haul over two weekends with capable support from Brendan Phelan also gives them an edge in attack. Away from the hustle and bustle, midfielder David Phelan was forced to sit out the replay after sustaining a knee injury. He picked up the knock during the match but opted to play on and offers another example of the bravery shown in this clash. His midfield colleague Tom Curran put such energy into the replay that he needed to carried off with cramp deep into extra time.
On the last two weekends Ballinameela will feel that the chance has slipped through their fingers with Ryan Butler equalising the first day out and Jim Curran missing a 65’ last Saturday. Provided that they can maintain their defensive stability and both Brendan Phelan and Jim Curran continue to deliver the Western side can emerge successful from this stirring trilogy despite the abilities of Butler and company.
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