Wins for Effin and Blackrock from Sunday's Limerick Premier IHC action

Effin's Nickie Quaid is chased down by Newcastle West's Con Hayes during their Premier IHC clash in Ballyagran. PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

placeholder image — Effin's Nickie Quaid is chased down by Newcastle West's Con Hayes during their Premier IHC clash in Ballyagran. PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

EFFIN and Blackrock got their Lyons of Limerick Premier IHC campaigns off to winning starts with victories over Newcastle West and Dromin-Athlacca respectively.

Ten points from Limerick U20 star Paddy O'Donovan saw Effin to victory over fellow 2022 semi-finalists Newcastle West in a one-sided clash in Ballyagran.

Newcastle West had the aid of strong breeze in the first half but were unable to take advantage - shooting nine wides in the opening half hour.

Jimmy Lee's side went into a 0-3 to 0-0 score after 20 minutes but Effin scored five of the next six to go into the break leading by one.

O'Donovan completely took over after the break landing eight points and was ably assisted by Ruairi O'Connor, Tommy Quaid and Frankie Herr. Limerick stars Nickie Quaid and Fergal O'Connor also excelled in the Effin half back line to see them to a 0-19 to 0-9 win.

Elsewhere, Blackrock were pushed all the way Dromin-Athlacca in Kilmallock with the 'Rockies eventually earning a 0-16 to 1-12 win in the south derby.

Blackrock raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead with nine minutes on the clock. Dromin-Athlacca came back into it in the second part of the half to trail by just one at the break.

A Daniel Scully goal midway through the second half turned the game in Dromin-Athlacca's favour but Blackrock's senior experience over the last few years shone through and they earned the victory.