MOUNT LEINSTER RANGERS 0-13 ROBERT EMMETS (LONDON) 0-11
MOUNT Leinster Rangers’ hopes of a first ever All Ireland intermediate hurling title are still alive after this heart-stopping semi-final in Parnell Park on Sunday.
Not for the first time this year their supporters have been left clutching each other in fear of a late winner from the opposition.
Deep into injury time as Robert Emmets poured everything into attack there was always the danger that victory could have been stolen from the grasp of the Carlow champions as they grimly held on to a two-point lead.
Between two well matched sides the scenario was not surprising.
The groundwork for victory was sown in the first half. Here Rangers were meticulous.
Five first-half points and not a wide. Emmets were not so accurate with 12 wides, a goal chance spurned and a meagre seven points having played with the wind.
If even half those chances had been taken then Rangers would have had even more to do in the second half.
To be fair. It isn’t as if the Rangers defence stood by and allowed their rivals free pots at goal.
They harried, blocked and hooked as they chased the ball carriers down.
All this activity chipped away at the Emmets’ confidence and set Rangers up for their third quarter dominance.
Denis Murphy knocked over the game’s two opening points.
Emmets hit back and Eddie Brennan and Michael Walsh points from play equalised matters.
Even though John Coady and Denis Murphy raised further white flags it was the Londoners who squeezed ahead.
At half time they led 0-7 to 0-5.
One minute into the second half Rangers could have been left with a mountain to climb.
Brendan Ennis was certainly going for a point but his shot dropped into the large square.
Atkinson appeared to get a flick on the sliotar. To the relief of Frank Foley in the Rangers goal the sliotar thudded off a post and rebounded to safety.
Coady, Murphy and Hugh Paddy O’Byrne turned the deficit into a narrow one-point lead nine minutes into the second half.
With 12 left to play the eventual winners led by three.
Suddenly in the space of two minutes Emmets found their scoring touch as Aidan Fitzgerald, Atkinson and Niall Healy slotted points.
The momentum was with the London champions.
Rangers dug deep.
Eddie Byrne was fouled.
Murphy restored the lead.
Then Derek Byrne raised the roof with a mighty strike.
Hugh Paddy O’Byrne’s second point should have been the insurance.
Another score and Rangers supporters could have relaxed. That would have been too easy.
Atkinson converted a free in injury time instead of going for goal, an indication that the referee had signalled there was still time.
The nightmare looked set to unfold as the same player broke through. From a narrow angle he kicked into the side netting.
Even then Rangers had to endure further moments of anxiety before the final whistle blew. Exultation at the end, but relief as well.
Croke Park here they come.