Naas launch eight-in-a-row bid with emphatic win over Ardclough
Charlie Sheridan scored six points for Naas in their win over Ardclough Photo: Sean Brilly
Naas began their pursuit of an eighth consecutive Kildare Senior Hurling Championship title with an emphatic victory over Ardclough in rain-soaked conditions at Manguard Park.
Ardclough battled gamely throughout but were ultimately outclassed by a Naas side that looked sharp, well-drilled and full of attacking intent. It was Mark Dowling's first championship outing in charge and the early signs suggest the reigning champions remain the team to beat.
Naas showcased their scoring depth with 14 different players getting on the scoresheet, while only two points of their impressive 2-28 tally came from dead balls.
If there was one area for improvement, it was their shooting efficiency. A sizeable wide count accompanied their scoring return, something they will undoubtedly seek to address as attention turns towards bigger tests later in the campaign.
Charlie Sheridan led the way in the opening half, hitting six points before the interval. His brother Jack was comparatively quiet during the first period, but scores from Rian Boran, Conan Boran and Richy Hogan highlighted the champions' ability to pick off scores from distance.
Ardclough struggled to find a sustained attacking threat. Sean Whelan accounted for three points from placed balls in the opening half as Naas built a commanding 0-18 to 0-5 lead by the break.
The champions maintained the pressure after the restart. Hogan and Peter O'Donoghue added points before Jack Sheridan opened his account from a placed ball with a well-struck 65 in the 34th minute.
Ardclough were handed an opportunity to cut into the deficit three minutes later when Martin Fitzgerald was fouled and a penalty was awarded. Tim Ryan's effort bounced awkwardly in front of goal, but Naas goalkeeper Cormac Gallagher reacted well to make the save on an evening when the relentless rain made handling particularly difficult.
Naas quickly reasserted their dominance. Jack Sheridan struck for the opening goal in the 41st minute and substitute Kevin Aherne added a second 12 minutes later after excellent approach play from Simon Leacy.
It completed another authoritative display from the seven-in-a-row champions, who continue to set the standard in Kildare hurling. Judging by both their league form and this championship opener, the gap between Naas and the chasing pack remains considerable.
Cormac Gallagher; Ross Kelly, Rian Boran 0-2, Richy Hogan 0-2, Simon Leacy 0-1, Conan Boran 0-1, Kevin Whelan; Peter O'Donoghue 0-1, Daire Guerin 0-2; Oisin O'Neill 0-1, Daragh Kirwan 0-1, Brian Byrne 0-1, Jack Sheridan 1-4 (1f, 1 '65), James Burke 0-3, Charlie Sheridan 0-6. Subs: Tom Boran 0-3 for Burke (39), Fionn Maher for O'Neill (48), Kevin Aherne 1-0 for Whelan (48), Sean Mac Donncha for J Sheridan (56).
Finn Leach; Darragh Miller, Maurice Sexton, Darragh Buggle, Conor Kelly, Drew Costello 0-1, Sean Coulston 0-1; Patrick O'Malley, Tim Ryan 0-1; Sean Whelan 0-5 (3fs), Martin Fitzgerald, Jonathan Reeves 0-1, Sean Buggy, Cillian Burke 0-2, Eoghan Walsh. Subs: Colm Walsh for Reeves (22), Harry Maughan 0-1 for Kelly (half-time), Kieran Brady for O'Malley (46), Kelvin Lynch for Buggle (56), John McKenna for Miller (59).
Niall Colgan.
