The ease of earlier victories enticed players to take a
pass too many resulting in majority possession and ample scoring opportunities
failing to transfer to the score board. This was far from a polished
performance, perhaps partially explained by the absence of the three County men
and three other first fifteen regulars, but that is something this team should
be able to rise above in this Division. Still an eight point victory, 3:12 to
1:10, is not to be sniffed at.
That lacklustre start allowed Kilclief lead four points to
one after ten minutes. Julian Swails three frees and a storming point from
Kieran Polly swamping Richard Annetts opening score. A fortunate goal when
Martin Clarkes free swerved into the top corner of the net hauled us back into
the game and another free put us ahead minutes later. Polly had levelled on
twenty minutes at 1:2 to 0:5 when we crafted a second goal, Michael Harper
swivelling in the square to place his shot wide off James Steenson. Martin
Clarke (2), Richard Annett and Patrick Cole added points as we led 2:6 to 0:5 at
the break.
Kieran Polly had a goal bound shot pushed over the bar by
Gavin Finnegan on the restart but he was helpless minutes later as Darren Swail
forced the bobbing ball to the net for the visitors goal. Martin Clarke steadied
things with a brilliant long range score though two Julian Swail frees kept
Kilclief in contention. Martin Clarke (2) and Ciaran Walsh edged us further
ahead entering the final quarter hour when a Sean Clarke goal finally put the
game beyond the visitors.
Debutant Clarke came in on the end of a Patrick Cole pass
to crash the ball to the roof of the net with the keeper stranded. Richard
Annett and Ciaran Walsh added points apiece with Dinny Sloan and Johnny Hanvey
replying at the other end and both keepers distinguished themselves with point
blank saves in a lively finish.
Team
G Finnegan A Annett J Mc Veigh Jim Clarke L Fitzpatrick L Mc Veigh D
O’Reilly P Murney M Harper 1:0 P Cole 0:1 M Clarke 1:5 J Cunningham C Walsh 0:3
S Clarke 1:0 R Annett 0:3
