A goal from Joe Deane helped Cork to a comfortable 1-24 1-12 victory over Derry in their Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B match in Swatragh this afternoon. Cork were in control for most of this encounter although Derry battled hard in the first-half and Dermot Doherty's 34th minute goal combined with Ollie Collins' five frees kept their chances alive at the interval as the visitors led by a mere three points, 0-13 to 1-07.
However, in the second-half, Deane finally got the better of his marker Emmett McKeever who had otherwise been outstanding in keeping the lively Cork forward quiet. The Derryman misjudged a long ball from Fergal Ryan and Deane swooped to blast the sliothar into the net, leaving Cork seven points in front. With only four points between the teams before the goal, Deane's strike killed off Derry's hopes and several good scores from Cork ensured they ran out deserved winners.
Meanwhile, in Division 2A, Down consolidated their position on top of the league table with a 2-13 to 1-15 win over Kildare while in Division 2B Carlow move to top spot with a 3-11 to 2-03 victory against London. In Division 3 Longford defeated Donegal 1-12 to 0-10 while Fermanagh endured a comprehensive 3-13 to 0-08 defeat at the hands of Louth and Armagh overcame Sligo 2-10 to 2-04. In Division 4, there was a 1-16 to 0-03 win for Mayo over Leitrim while Monaghan beat Cavan 2-10 to 1-07.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
