Kingscourt 1-15 Crosserlough 1-7
Despite a shaky start, Kingscourt secured top spot in Division Two with another comfortable win (eventually) in O’Raghallaigh Park on Saturday afternoon. With Kingscourt looking to remian unbeaten and secure top spot and the visitors looking to maintain their Division Two status, there was no shortage of intensity on both sides.
Despite Barry Reilly opening the scores early, the visitors lead 1-3 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. Kingscourt, though steadied into the game and despite a brief torrential downpour some further Reilly scores along with a Sean Og Gargan point narrowed the gap. Then as the sun re-emerged midfielder Colm Smith was foulded just inside the box and a powerful Ryan McCormack penalty on 20 minutes put just a point between them at 1-5 to 1-4.
Crosserlough had an immediate chance to level but their 21st penaltywas saved by Cathal McCabe, after he had conceded the kick in the first place. As it happened, this signalled the end of things for the Kilnaleck side and the subsequent rainbow lead only to gold for the Stars as yet more scores from Reilly saw Kingscourt lead by 1-6 to 1-5 at halftime.
Playing with the wind in the second half, Kingscourt took control immediately. However despite dominating the opening quarter a Reilly free and McCormack point were the only addition to the scoreboard as some wayward shooting took place, much to the annoyance of the Kingscourt defence.
Inevitably the shooting boots were found and a brace of frees were followed by a delightful jinxing run and score from McCormack and Kingscourt were 1-11 to 1-6 clear with 10 minutes remaining. Despite enduring yet more injuries, Kingscourt continued to boss proceedings and points from Seanie Farrelly and Daryll Martin saw them strech their lead into the comfort zone.
A final Crosserlough point did little to halt the Stars dominance and some great link up between substitute, Philly Smith, and McCormack forced the visiting keeper into a smart save for the concession of a point. Just on the final whistle, wing back, Philly Tinnelly curled over a delightful long range point on a trademark surging run and Kingscourt secured an eight point victory.
Another impressive performance for the Stars, despite a slow start, who are now one match away from an unbeaten league season. Captain Alan Clarke was his usual commanding self and had little difficulty in adapting to fullback for the second half with substitute Barry Tully again fitting in without blemish. Up front, county minor captain, Barry Reilly shown in the first half with Ryan McCoramck taking centre stage during the second half.
TEAM:
Cathal McCabe, Shane Gray (Barry Tully 21 mins), Brendan Corcoran (Colm Smith 32mins), Kevin Shiels, Philly Tinnelly (0-1), Alan Clarke, Keith McCabe, Gavin Sheenan, Colm Smith (Philly Smith HT), Sean Og Gargan (0-1) (JP Reilly 52 mins), Seanie Farrelly (0-1), Barry Reilly (0-7, 4f), Darragh Gunne, Ryan McCormack (1-4, 1-1f), Daryll Martin (0-1)
