Kerry SFC quarter-final: Dr. Crokes 1-17 Rathmore 2-9. FOR Dr.
Crokes, this had a bit of everything. For much of the Kerry SFC quarter-final tie at Fitzgerald Stadium they were comfortable. The only concern is the presence of wastefulness that a stronger opponent would have undeniably capitalised on.
The Killarney side had nine different scorers and led by ten entering the final quarter. They also failed to convert several more goal chances and were outscored 1-5 to 0-3 down the stretch. In spells it was sensational.
At other times it was outright sloppy. Something to work on ahead of a semi-final clash with St Brendan’s Board next weekend. Their sharpshooting trio of Tony Brosnan, David Shaw and Micheál Burns combined for 1-9 between them but mustered another nine missed efforts.
It should be said there was plenty of mitigation; conditions were difficult and the challenge was severely weakened with a handful of guaranteed starters sidelined. Brian Friel, Mark Ryan and Andrew Moynihan were all missing for Rathmore and it meant the outcome become predictable long before the final whistle. Even still, a spot in the decider will require more ruthlessness.
Rathmore started with Paul Murphy at centre-forward, detailed to track the imposing drives forward by Gavin White. Dr. Crokes’ ability to mix it both ways was central to their 1-8 to 1-2 half-time advantage.
Charlie Keating instigated the charge from the throw-in, laying off for a sweet Gavin O’Shea score. Rathmore hit .