Kingscourt 1-16 Ballyhaise 0-8
‘Comprehensive’, in a word, would describe Kingscourt’s Division Two semi final victory over Ballyhaise in Lacken last Sunday. Superior in virtually every aspect of the field and led by the club’s future stars, an eleven-point victory was a fair reflection of the difference between two teams, which had shared points much earlier in the year.
Under 21 players Barry Reilly, Daryll Martin and Barry Tully inspired their team towards this years final with impressive performances from start to finish. Barry Reilly’s opening score from the left boot was quickly followed by a cool finish from “the Bronk” Martin when put through one on one with the keeper after seven minutes.
From this early lead, Kingscourt never looked back and were rarely troubled by a Ballyhaise team which relied too heavily on the free taking abilities of their forwards.
First half scores were also contributed by Philip Smith, however the score of the match was finished off by Barry Reilly after a great move which was started by, team captain, Alan Clarke from the full back line. Ballyhaise’s left half forward Stephen Smith was most accurate from the dead ball and managed to keep their hopes alive going into half time trailing 1-06 to 0-04.
Kingscourt continued to dominate in the second half with excellent scores from corner forward Mark McKeown. The most interesting battle was the unorthodox midfield match up between county star Ray Cullivan and Mossy Malone who both managed to get on the score sheet. Further dead ball scores from Ryan McCormack and a “Brian Stafford” impressionist, Joe McMahon, gave Kingscourt a deserved eleven-point margin of victory.
The Stars defence can also be proud of further clean sheet this year in what was solid performance by all six defenders. This team, which has been hit by so many injuries, regardless of the result of this years final will look forward to a bright future back in Division One football.
We will now face Drumgoon in the Division Two Final this Sunday (22nd) at 2pm in Bailieboro. This will be the final match of the year and we would aks for a large support for the side as they try and claim a well-deserved Division Two title.
