GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 35 – October 6, 2015 | Page 32

St. Gabriels edged Kilburn to take the first big senior hurling title, the Div1 League. Photo: Declan Flanagan.

St. Joseph’s hadn’t exactly shone in the opening half they were
still very much in it.
Two minutes into the new half Garryowen drove over two
more points to increase the lead to 4. But St. Joe’s hung in there
with some pints of their own and with 10 minutes remaining
were still in with a chance when behind by three. Then a killer
blow arrived as Garryowen got a goal to put them clear ahead
with the finishing line in view. They added a second before
the end to see out the game 2-12 to 0-10. It was a fine display
by Garryowen and a deserving win to see them as London
2014 intermediate champions.
GABRIELS EDGE KILBURN
The final of the Div 1 Hurling league between St. Gabriels and last year’s championship winner’s Kilburn Gales
was highly anticipated as they have been the two best
hurling sides in London over the past number of years.

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This was a thrilling game all though with little if anything
between the teams. St. Gabriels had the better start and it
would prove important by the time they final whistle was
blown. They had a goal and two points on the board after
5 minutes with Kilburn yet to score. Kilburn settled with
a brace of points before a goal of their own saw the teams
neck and neck at the break with Gabriels leading by two
points 1-7 to 1-5.
The second half continued in this manner with each side
responding to the others’ score going point for point. Gabriels got renewed confidence when they added a second
goal on the 38th minute to increase their lead but Kilburn
responded well with points of their own to leave just 2 in
it once more. But try as they might Kilburn were not able
to bridge the gap and by the ned of the game it was St.
Gabriels who had grabbed the spoils with a narrow 2-12
to 1-13 victory. These two could yet see a rematch in the
championship final and another thriller in prospect.