Westmeath are Division 3 champions after a well deserved victory over Laois at Croke Park this afternoon. It was a hard fought game between two talented teams, but Jack Cooney's men would power through in the end to win on a scoreline go 1-13 to 0-13.
The pivotal moment in the game came just before the hour mark, with Ger Egan providing the finishing touch. While Graham Brody has become known for carrying the ball well out the pitch, it cost his team here. Westmeath turned the ball over, and Brody was nowhere to be found as they fired it into the back of the net.
Egan rattles the net
Cúl cinniúnach do @westmeath_gaa?@GAA_BEO @gaaleinster #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/XBgOe9CUBr— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 6, 2019
While Brody's ability to provide an extra player in the outfield can be valuable, you seen the dangers of such a policy today. This would ultimately prove to be Laois' undoing, with the goal deciding the game.
It is something we have seen creeping into the game in recent times, with the likes of Rory Beggan also an advocate of this tactic. One would have to question just exactly how much it adds to a team's attacking play, especially considering the risks when the ball is overturned.
Will we still see the roaming goalkeeper in championship this summer?
