Golden Play by Students holds off Former Champions Mabe

With the South-West Shinty Cup firmly in the grasp of Mylor Cons many saw the fires of competition in the league dying off. Yet with the long-awaited return of Shinty to the soil of Cunningham Park, both the Mabe and CSM Gold squads were keen to prove that the race for glory was far from over.

From the first throw-up the heat of rivalry could be felt as Mabe’s Birkett and Hutchinson dominated the centre line, leaving the students hard-done to protect many outstanding shots on goal. Both Martin and Cole did well to keep their opponents fighting for space but the pace of both these experience forwards meant that it was only a matter of time before one of their hits found its rightful place in the back of the net with Hutchinson scoring a blinding shot into the top corner to put Mabe in the lead.

Though they were now fighting from behind, it would take more than just one goal to break the students’ spirits. Although not first choice CSM keeper, Wickenden’s hit outs sailed far out field to give the forwards plenty of time and space to pressure the Mabe backline. Quick passing and non-stop movement between Kelly, Wilkinson and Tewnion in the forwards left their opposition constantly chasing to close down their shots. An excellent strike from Wilkinson about 40ft away from goal cut past the Mabe defence and into the back of the net bringing the game back to an even level.

Both teams fought fiercely for the rest of the half, with newbie Oliver standing out as a promising forward for Mabe, buttressing his teams pressure in the forwards. However, both Martin and Cole were not willing to give up an inch of space in their backline and Mabe struggled to get within the student’s goal area for the remainder of the half. A quick counter from a hit-out left Wilkinson once again open up front and with clever assistance from Tewnion allowed the full-centre enough time to get another belter of a shot past Mitchell in nets leaving the students in the lead at half-time.

With the short 5 minute rest replenishing Gold’s energy supply, they returned to the pitch with a renewed level of pressure quickly adding more goals to the score-line as Wilkinson hits on goal continued to find their mark. Three goals ahead and with the clock quickly winding down, the students were guilty of dropping their guard and allowing some complacency to seep into their ranks with Noonan quickly seizing on this weakness and inspiring his forwards to break through the students defence. With Walters assistance on the wing, Hutchinson’s was once again able to use his quick pace to sweep through the students defence and gain another goal for his team. To make matters worse for the students an injury for Wilkinson left Gold without their top goal scorer and although a substitution for Russell aided in filling the gap, matters were quickly made worse when Martin had to be taken off the pitch with a knee injury leaving the team a man down. With Mabe itching for some glory, the pressure in the forwards continued to be a constant threat and it was not long before Birkett’s runs were too much for the students and with four minutes left of play he put his team just one goal down. Worry could be seen in the eyes of CSM Gold but with Wilkinson returning to the pitch they were able to keep the ball far away from their nets long enough to hold back any more attacks from Mabe. The full time whistle ended a superb display of shinty from both teams with man of the match going to Luke Wilkinson. Final Score CSM GOLD 4- 3 MABE.

If you want to give Shinty a go we’d love to here from you, we train 2-4pm every Sunday and for more details email cornwallshinty@gmail.com, everything you need will be provided for you and we’d love to have you along!

SW Shinty League: CSM Gold vs Mabe

CSM Gold:

George Wickenden (Capt./Goals)

Sarah Kelly

Daniel Martin

Luke Wilkinson

Amy Cole

Heather Tewnion

Matthew Russell (sub)

Mabe:

Matt Noonan (capt.)

Annan Birkett