Ballygunner got their Provincial campaign off to a winning start in Walsh Park this afternoon, but they had to withstand a strong Midleton challenge to claim a two point win in the Munster Club hurling Championship Quarter-Final.
Ballygunner started brightly with Pauric Mahony deadly accurate from placed balls as the home side raced into a 0-4 to 0-2 lead.
Cork star Conor Lehane tied up proceedings at 1-5 to 0-8 with a neatly taken goal after eighteen minutes, and Midleton continued to grow into the game and Cormac Beausang netted their second goal before half-time.
Pauric Mahony had the final say of the opening period as Midleton held a 2-8 to 0-10 lead at the interval.
Ballygunner v Midleton teams pic.twitter.com/9ChOVeaYso
— Tomás McCarthy (@tomasmcc) October 28, 2018
Fergal Hartley's charges started the second half well as Tim O' Sullivan and substitute Peter Hogan hit early scores, with Midleton responding well.
Ballygunner hit the front sixteen minutes into the second period as Conor Power's ground strike billowed the net from close range and Pauric Mahony added another free to give the Gunners a two point advantage.
Pauric Mahony continued his impressive free taking, he finished with twelve points as the Waterford champions held on for a hard fought win a book a place in the Munster semi-final.
It Finished, Ballygunner 1-18 Midleton 2-13, and the Gunners will now take on Clare champions Ballyea in the last four, another home game coming up next Sunday.
