Ballyhale was the venue for the two Kilkenny Senior Hurling 1st round replays on Saturday.
Mullinavat jumped the hurdle at the 2nd attempt against Bennettsbridge, while Rower Inistioge saw off Danesfort after extra time.
Here’s my team of the week based on those two games.
1. James Culleton (Mullinavat)
The captain led by example against Bennettsbridge, kept a clean sheet and was constantly guiding the free man in defence like all good goalkeepers will do.
2. Thomas Aylward (Mullinavat)
Came storming out with a lot of ball and scored a great long range free.
3. Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
Absolutely rock solid at full back for Danesfort and an automatic selection.
4. Enda Morrissey (Bennetsbridge)
Marked tightly and gave very little away in his sides loss to Mullinavat.
5. Pauric Gahan (Mullinavat)
Kept Liam Blanchfield quiet enough and that’s not easily done!
6. Paddy Hogan (Danesfort)
Mopped up a rake of ball throughout the 60 minutes and despite getting hooked on one or two occasions, Paddy hurled very well.
7. Aidan Cleere (Bennettsbridge)
Put over two incredible points from well inside his own half and was steady at wing back.
8. Sean Grace (Rower Inistioge)
Three points from play from midfield is a good return any day you go out and Sean also got through plenty of work on Saturday.
9. Robbie Walsh (Danesfort)
Walsh took the fight to the Rower right from the get go when pointing after a super solo run. Wore 14 on his back but played out around the middle and was very busy throughout.
10. Darragh Joyce (Rower Inistioge)
Started closer to goal but was a revelation when switched further out the field and went to clouds for no fewer than four clean catches while under pressure.
11. Willie O’Dwyer (Mullinavat)
O’Dwyer was Mullinavat’s best player on Saturday and helped himself to five points from play.
12. Sean Morrissey (Bennettsbridge)
Worked hard on the wing and put over three points from play, one of those an incredible effort from close to the sideline after a great take.
13. Michael Grace (Rower Inistioge)
Grace was razor sharp on Saturday and helped himself to five points from play.
14. Colm Phelan (Danesfort)
Scored 1-4 from play, a serious return.
15. Kevin Murphy (Rower Inistioge)
Scored the all important goal in extra time to send his side through to the quarter finals and also managed two points from play.
