Disappointment for Roche as he just loses out in Masters B Singles final

It was another disappointing day for John Roche, Castlebridge at Dungarvan last Saturday week as for the second year in a row he was beaten in the All Ireland Masters B Singles final, this time by David Tobin, Tipperary writes AOB. After losing the 2014 decider to Shane Bruen, Sligo, Roche had a great opportunity to make amends on this occasion but he never looked comfortable against an unorthodox opponent who mixed the sublime with the very ordinary.

Roche was slow to settle in the first game and this handed the initiative to the energetic Tobin who raced into an early lead. The Wexfordman did eventually manage to rein him in at 13-13 but instead of pushing on it was Tobin who dug deepest to take the opener on a scoreline if 21-16. It was a big setback for Roche but he responded to dominate the second on the shortline and when he levelled the match with an impressive 21-5 win his focus and challenge appeared back on track.

Sadly for Wexford the third was almost a carbon copy of the first as Roche let numerous opportunities go a begging and Tobin made the most of these to carve out a narrow 21-16 victory. With hindsight it is likely the leg injury suffered by Roche earlier in the campaign deprived him of the edge he needed for victory here. From the time his preparation was interrupted just before the Leinster final he has struggled to get back to where he had been previously and on such big occasions as All Ireland finals, such things do matter.

John Roche with David Tobin after the match
John Roche with David Tobin after the match