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Page last updated at 16:48 GMT, Sunday, 22 February 2009

Cushendall 1-19 1-21 De La Salle

Cushendall hurling manager James McNaughton believes that his side were unfairly treated by the referee in their los to De La Salle.

Cushendall suffered another heartbreaking AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling semi-final defeat as they were edged out in extra-time by De La Salle.

'Dall, inspired by Neil McManus, led 1-13 to 1-11 going into second-half injury-time with Shane McNaughton and Dean Twomey having scored the goals.

But a Stephen Daniels point and Brian Phelan's sensational sideline cut ensured extra-time at Parnell Park.

De La Salle edged clear in extra-time to set up a decider against Portumna.

Galway champions Portumna defeated Leinster winners Ballyhale Shamrocks 5-11 to 1-16 in Sunday's other semi-final in Thurles.

The defeat leaves Cushendall still searching for an elusive All-Ireland Final place after eight Ulster title wins over the past 27 years.

Probably the key moment of Sunday's match came a minute from the end of normal time when Cushendall were leading by two points.

'Dall youngster Conor Carson charged towards the Waterford champions' goals but instead of wisely tapping over his point, he went for glory and the shot was blocked.

A point at that stage surely would have meant no way back for De La Salle but as it turned out, Daniels pointed in the first of the three minutes of injury-time and Phelan's sideline cut then ensured the extra-time.

The Cushendall management caused a surprise before the start by relegating experienced Conor McCambridge to the bench with Conor Carson drafted into the starting line-up.

'Dall got off to a bad start with Twomey immediately goaling after Aidan Delargy's shot had dropped into the hands of De La Salle goalkeeper Steve Brenner.

McManus then had a goal chance for 'Dall but he was superbly hooked by Alan Kelly just as the net seemed certain to bulge.

However, McManus was proving a real handful at centre half-forward while De La Salle's big name John Mullane was being well-held by Kevin Elliott.

Aaron Graffin's brilliant block also prevented a Mullane goal midway through the opening half when De La Salle were leading 1-2 to 0-2.

Two Aidan Delargy frees cut De La Salle's advantage to the minimum by the 24th minute although the Munster champions responded to move three clear again.

However, Cushendall bossed the closing five minutes of the second half and three unanswered points, including two Karl McKeegan frees, brought the sides level by the interval.

A famous Cushendall victory looked on the cards when Shane McNaughton fired in a goal on 34 minutes after Brenner had blocked a McManus shot.

De La Salle shot five successive wides as superb Cushendall harrying was forcing the Waterford side to aim from distance.

The Ulster champions suffered a blow in the 45th minute when Declan McKillop was sent off, after getting his second yellow card, following a dangerous pull.

John Mullane and Aaron Graffin
The superb Aaron Graffin breaks his hurley as he challenges John Mullane

But McKillop's departure didn't rattle Cushendall and they remained 1-12 to 1-9 ahead with 10 minutes remaining.

Mullane and Phelan scores left the minimum between the team with three minutes of normal-time left but McManus' point doubled Cushendall's lead again.

Then came arguably the key moment of the match with youngster Carson showing his inexperience by not accepting a certain point, as he aimed low.

With referee, Eamon Morris signalling three minutes of injury-time, there was going to be ample time for De La Salle to get two chances and so it proved as Daniels pointed before Phelan swung over a remarkable sideline cut.

At the players limbered up for extra-time, it was hard to escape the conclusion that Cushendall had blown it although the Ulster champions wasted an immediate goal chance after the restart as Shane McNaughton fired just wide.

The sides went point-for-point early in extra-time but three unanswered from Lee Hayes, Mullane and Brian Farrell then put De La Salle in the box seat.

Conor McCambridge and McManus points left the minimum between the sides again and that remained the margin as a Phelan score was cancelled out by McCambridge.

Deep in injury-time, Conor McCambridge had a great chance to level but the veteran, who had been heroic after his early introduction, fired wide.

It proved Cushendall's last chance as Mullane had the final scoring say.

see also
Cushendall see off Ballygalget
19 Oct 08 |  Gaelic Games
Cushendall 3-11 2-8 Dungiven
12 Oct 08 |  Gaelic Games
Ballygalget 4-13 0-12 Keady
12 Oct 08 |  Gaelic Games


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