Sport

Hard-won replay earns Exiles shot at Christy Ring

LONDON WILL face Wicklow next Saturday in Croke Park in the Christy Ring Cup final after the Exiles defeated Down in Saturday…

Mon Jun 04 2012 - 01:00

LONDON WILL face Wicklow next Saturday in Croke Park in the Christy Ring Cup final after the Exiles defeated Down in Saturday’s semi-final replay by 2-16 to 2-13.

Their first game finished 1-21 each after extra-time – with Michael Turley firing a late score for Down to set up the semi-final replay. The rematch in Ruislip also needed two additional periods of 10 minutes each.

London looked the stronger side in the early exchanges on Saturday, leading 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time – thanks to a Martin Finn goal. However, goals from Michael Ennis and Connor Woods brought Down back into the game and the sides were locked at 1-12 to 2-9 at the end of normal time.

Luke Hand claimed a goal for the home side late in the first half of extra-time to push London into a lead they never relinquished.

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London will face Wicklow in next weekend’s final, which is part of a triple header of hurling deciders at Croke Park with the Lory Meagher and Nicky Rackard titles also up for grabs on the day.

Meanwhile, Rory Kavanagh is winning his fitness race for Donegal’s Ulster quarter-final against Derry. The midfielder was forced out of St Eunan’s All County League clash with Ardara last weekend after injuring an ankle.

Kavanagh sustained partial tears to two ligaments on his left ankle and has been receiving intensive treatment in a bid to have him available to face the Oak Leaf.

“He’s making good progress and we’re hopeful he’ll be available for the Derry game,” said Jim McGuinness.

Kavanagh is due to meet a surgeon in Dublin on Thursday and it is hoped he will be back in training next Tuesday night – four days before Donegal face Derry.

Kavanagh was joined in having a watching brief at training last week by Paddy McGrath. The corner-back has a quad injury, but should be fit for the game.

David Walsh has a calf problem, but he too should be okay – as should Anthony Thompson who tweaked a hamstring last week.

McGuinness was pleased to welcome team captain Michael Murphy back to training last week.

He said: “Michael is back out on the field but it will take him some time to get back up to the level of the other players as he’s been out now for nine weeks.”