Killeavy 2-13 Clann Eireann 2-09Killeavy hosted Clann Eirean on Sunday afternoon, two teams who have always enjoyed tough competitive encounters over the past few years. Killeavy's start to the season has been their best for many years, and they were determined to keep their unbeaten record intact. Playing with a strong breeze in the opening half, Killeavy sometimes dazzled with some exceptional play, and it seemed Clann Eireann just couldn't live with them especially when they moved the ball quickly. Gary Reel typified the first half effort, marking the ever-dangerous Ryan Henderson, he put the Lurgan man on the backfoot for much of the half and drove up the field to score two super points from play. The real pluses in the forward line this year have been the emergence of Darren O'Hanlon, with his speed and strength and the return to form of Gerard Byrne who had an injury plagued season last year. Indeed, the entire forward line seemed on song, and ten points was a great return on the half. At the other end, Henderson scored two frees, while a fine save from Sean O'Hanlon saw the centre-forward drive the rebound over the bar. The main score getter from last week, Anthony O'Hare was content to leave the scoring to Gerard Byrne(3, 1f), Adrian Doran(2, 1f), Raymond Teggart(2), Gary Reel(2) and Darren O'Hanlon.Half-Time:Killeavy 0-10 Clann Eireann 0-03Killeavy held a six point lead over Clann Eireann at half time in the corresponding fixture last season, only for the Lurgan side to grab a draw, so with a strong wind advantage, the game was far from over. Indeed the first ten minutes was Killeavy's worst period of the game. They generated no possession, and struggled to win their own kickout. Indeed, Henderson hit two frees from fully sixty yards, before landing another two from close range. There was now only three between the sides, and Clann Eireann had all the momentum. Then came the score that really won the game for Killeavy. Anthony O'Hare leapt high to field the ball on the edge of the square, before playing in Darren O'Hanlon to crack a great shot to the top corner. This negated all the good work Clann Eireann had put in, and worse was to follow for them. A drop kick into the square from Adrian Doran was brilliantly flicked by O'Hare to Byrne who cracked home another excellent goal. A Byrne free left Killeavy ten points clear with ten minutes to play. Clann Eireann always know how to sniff a goal and free kick to the edge of the square was broken across goal and buried to the net. Killeavy had taken their foot off the gas by this stage, and were almost made to pay. Two further points were conceded, before another Clann Eireann goal got them to within a goal of the Killeavy score. A great point from Paul Watters, and a free from Gerard Byrne put an end to the contest once and for all. Killeavy can be happy with their display, but they did have a few lulls. Still the defence has played solidly and the forward line is really starting to click. The performances last week and this have been an improvement on the two previous matches. It still remains early days in the league race, with several other teams also performing strongly, a true reflection on their standing in the division still won't be clear for a month or so yet. But so far, so good!!!Full-Time: Killeavy 2-13 Clann Eireann 2-09Killeavy Team: S. O'Hanlon, K. Martin, F. Mallon, K.O'Hare, G. Reel(0-2), L. O'Hare, B. McKevitt, P. Watters(0-1), J. Duffy, E. Quigley, R. Teggart(0-2), D. O'Hanlon(1-1), G. Byrne(1-5, 3f), A. Doran(0-2, 1f), A O'Hare.Subs: P Donnelly for B McKevitt(45 mins)S Toner for A Doran(50mins), K. McArdle for A. O'Hare(55 mins). 8 wides. |