It may only be the second round of the 2012 NSW Hurling League in Sydney, but champions Michael Cusacks laid down a marker on Sunday when comprehensively beating rivals Sydney Shamrocks at Monarch Fields in Ingleburn.
These two have crossed swords many times especially in NSW GAA finals. They met in three recent memorable deciders and each time ‘Shamrocks got the better of their opponents in the finals of the league and championship of 2010, and again in the 2011 championship decider. However, Michael Cusacks revenged that defeat on Sunday with a comprehensive [31] 4-19 to [14] 2-8 hammering of their great rivals. But will they repeat that result in a final against the same opposition?
In the other hurling game, Craobh Padraig got back on track with a comfortable victory over Cormac McAnallens. Michael Cusacks now lead the league on four points.
In mens senior football table toppers, ‘Cusacks and Penrith Gaels, continued their good early form when recording wins over new side Bondi Gaels and Young Ireland respectively. Penrith had a much easier time of it than league champions ‘Cusacks, who had just three points to spare over the rookies from Bondi. In the final mens game of the day, 2011 championship runners-up Clan na Gael recovered from their opening round defeat to prove too much for Cormac McAnallens.
Meanwhile in the ladies football, last year’s impressive league and championships winners, Central Coast were too strong for Young Ireland. In the second game however, we had something of a surprise as Clan’ scored a good victory over 2011 league runners-up ‘Cusacks. The Penrith’ v ‘McAnallens match was postponed. ‘Coast lead the league with two wins from two.
On to camogie where there were two games on the schedule with the first seeing championship winners and runners-up in this competition last year, Michael Cusacks accounting for McAnallens, while 2011 league winners and championship runners-up, ‘Coast defeated ‘Clan. The respective winners share top position in the table.