All American Hurling 5-30-09

Portland v New Hampshire

May 30, 2009

Maine defeats New Hampshire’s Hurlers
by Lori Duff

PORTLAND MAINE —In a close match, Maine’s Portland Marauders defeated New Hampshire’s Barley House Wolves at scenic Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on Saturday, May 30th.
The two clubs squared off earlier in the month, with the Wolves coming out on top in the season opener. This time, Portland’s hurlers lowered their shots and put more under the bar to give them the edge in an 8-3 to 3-13 win. The setting could not have been better, when the sun broke through the clouds after a week of rain and the fog lifted an hour before game time to reveal the rocky coast and signature lighthouse. Many tourists and locals alike stopped to see the match, which was open to the public for no charge. For many, it was their first experience with hurling, and the same could be said for some of those playing as well. As relatively new Junior C clubs, both New Hampshire and Maine are working to develop new players and gain momentum for their clubs.

The match was close right to the end, with only a goal difference with two minutes left to play. The final blow was dealt when a low ball was put home by Portland’s Tim Grimason, giving them a two-goal advantage. The Wolves mustered one more over the bar but it was not enough to regain the lead, which had changed hands four times in the course of play. Portland’s goalie, Timothy Lovett, played a solid game throughout, denying several shots. At Center Half Forward, Larry Maher proved to be a formidable scorer for their offensive half, with several long solos drawing the wolves out of position.

The New Hampshire hurlers played hard and had solid performances from midfielder Dan Hanna and Lore Ford, playing at center half forward. The Wolves’ passing was in fine form, but several shots went wide, making the difference in the end. “We have to straighten those out if we want to beat this Portland club,” said half forward Jason Speltz, “Eddie (Clements) put a couple in the Atlantic that had the distance, he just needs to get his bearing.” He wasn’t exaggerating, as the proximity of the field to the coastline did in fact result in some sliothars landing in the brine.

The loss of sliothars is actually significant for these new clubs, as they work to gain sponsors and develop their clubs. North American Equipment Upfitters, Inc. has become the Barley House Wolves’ main sponsor this year, and Brian Baru Tavern has picked up the Portland club. The clubs will face each other again in June before a road trip to Philadelphia to participate in a Junior C tournament on July 25th.

View Photos from this game click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamtfc/sets/72157618969974867/

Photos courtesy of Morgan Lake Adams