Easkey/Enniscrone/Kilglass 2-9 Owenmore Gaels 2-12

Our minors exacted some level of revenge for last years Championship final defeat when they got the better of the western amalgamation at Quigabar this evening in a very entertaining contest.

EEK started the brighter, getting the first two points of the game before we responded with a free from the returning Stephen Fallon, won by Roland Anderson. The next score came from another player returning after an injury enforced absence, Ross Trill, who punched to the net at the second attempt after being set up by Aaron Walsh after fine fielding from Fallon.

EEK responded well and it become clear we would have difficulty dealing with the direct running of a physically strong side. Their centre back rampaged up the pitch to point before another strong run through the middle ended with the ball in the net despite a fine initial save from Diarmuid O’Grady in the goals to put EEK 2 in front.

Fallon again secured us some primary possession. The mark was called and he released Walsh who’s jinking run was halted illegally. Kevin Healy slotted the free. The teams exchanged points, ours a free from Fallon, before Derek Lynch split the posts following a great team move, with Walsh the architect.

Strong running again from EEK then led to a penalty award. O’Grady again proved his worth with a fine save and we scrambled the rebound to safety. EEK scored the next two points as their period of dominance continued. We reponded excellently through another well worked score, this time Oisin Geraghty finding the back of the net, the assist coming from full-forward Trill. We pushed on and ended the half on a high, adding a free from Healy, well won by Walsh, and a beautiful left footed effort from Fallon after a great team move when Roland Anderson and Roan Conneely turned-over possession, Brian McPartland and Jamie Callaghan carried the ball forward before Trill set up Fallon. The Half-time whistle was blown with the scores reading Easkey/Enniscrone/Kilglass 1-6 Owenmore Gaels 2-6

We had one enforced change at the break, with Callum Tonry coming in for the injured Derek Lynch. The second have started scrappy and it took 4 minutes for the first score, a point for EEK. They followed this with another to make it a 1 point game. Great fielding again from Fallon, led to a free which he converted himself. When Fallon once again secured possession he fed the rampaging McPartland who in turn fed Walsh to raise the white flag.

Just when it looked like we might take control EEK showed their character with a point quickly followed by a goal to put them 1 ahead. Fallon again secured primary possession (incredibly his 6th mark of the game) to feed Healy who drew the free which Fallon converted to tie the scores. Walsh then put us back in front, a fine score after been fed by Jack Foley.

We then put a great break together to almost seal the game when Anderson snapped up a loose ball and burst out of the defence before feeding Tonry in full flight. He drew the man before laying of to Trill who sent the keeper for a hotdog only to see his shot cleared of the line by a covering defender.

In what was becoming an end to end game some fresh legs were brought in with Evan Willis and Byron Doherty coming in for Tony Fox and Darragh Mahon respectively. The next score was to be an inspirational one as some lovely and patient play down the right side involving Healy, Willis, Trill, Tonry and Foley saw the ball recycled to James Duffy who had edged froward from full-back. Without hesitation he swung the ball over from 35 yards with the outside of the boot to cap a fine team move. Another determined and patient move saw us win a free which Fallon again converted which would prove to be the last score of the game. There was some excellent defending to see the game out, led by Anderson and Duffy with a crucial high catch from Willis also standing out.

It is a good start to the league campaign for this side, under the stewardship of Pa Murphy, Conor Davey and Gerry Walsh, against a physically superior side. The lads showed great hunger and desire and no shortage of skill to secure the points. However it is very early in the season in what is a very competitive league with a high standard. Much to work on, but on this showing plenty to work with.

Standout performers on the day included Walsh, Trill and Anderson. Tonry also impressed of the bench. However Stephen Fallon on his return to the club after a year away was outstanding. Both his ball-winning ability and accuracy in front of goal was unerring.

Team: Diarmuid O’Grady, Tony Fox (Evan Willis), James Duffy (0-1), Roan Conneely, Bryan McPartland, Jamie Callaghan, Roland Anderson, Jack Foley, Derek Lynch (0-1) (Callum Tonry), Stephen Fallon (0-6, 5F), Kevin Healy (0-2, 2F), Oisin Geraghty (1-0), Aaron Walsh (0-2), Ross Trill (1-0), Darragh Mahon (Byron Doherty) Subs: Mark Walsh, Jack Branley, Jordan McGuinn, Vincent Harte