Crossmaglen 2-18 Killeavy 1-11
Killeavy travelled to Silverbridge on Sunday afternoon to play Crossmaglen, whose pitch is under construction at the minute. The sun shone, but a really strong breeze blew straight up the field. Killeavy won the toss and played with the wind against the reigning Ulster champions. Frankly, the first fifteen minutes were somewhat of an embarrassment, as Crossmaglen were allowed to play some wonderful support play and carve holes in the Killeavy defence, who were completely overrun. Killeavy were also turning over possession in their own defence to deadly cost. I would say Killeavy conceded 2-4 from this suicidal habit over the hour. Whereas last week, the slack goals came from running through a soft centre, and poor communication, this week they were down to poor handling. With fifteen minutes gone, Cross led by 1-5 to a single point. However, it wasnt complete depression from Killeavy, as they came more into the match and at least started to put up abit of a challenge. Frees from McDonnell were excellent over the hour,and Anthony O'Hare came into the game strongly, pointing when he could have had a goal, following good work from Paul Rocks. He hit the onion bag moments later, however, as Killeavy tore open the Cross defence, and Raymie Teggart found Anthony, who fisted his first effort onto the bar, but scrambled the rebound to the net. Two frees for each side meant Cross led by three at the break. Things looked ominous, though, as Cross would have the wind advantage in the second half.Half-Time: Crossmaglen 1-8 Killeavy 1-05
Cross hit the first few scores after the restart, John Murtagh impressing up front. Killeavy were economical with their attacks, their half back line of Gary Reel, Barry McKevitt and Coly Byrne pushing into attack with some good support play. This resulted in several frees, which McDonnell converted. Another very slack goal sealed the game for Cross, who floated over fine points to win the game. Points from play in the second period for Killeavy came from Gary Reel and Anthony O'Hare. This was a mixed day for Killeavy, again, who have three or four very important matches coming up, which they must target victories, if they are to have any chance of survival. Slack goals must be eradicated, if they are to have any chance!!Full-Time: Crossmaglen 2-18 Killeavy 1-11
Killeavy Team: B. Cromie, K. Martin, B. McKevitt, G. Magennis, G. Reel(0-1), L. O'Hare, C. Byrne, P. Rocks, J. Duffy, C Hickey, S. McDonnell(0-8, 7F), R. Teggart, P. Hannaway, J. McKevitt, A. O'Hare(1-2).Subs:G. Byrne for P. Hannaway(25mins), R. McConville for G. Magennis (30 mins), A. Doran for J McKevitt(50mins), D. McKevitt for R. Teggart(50 min).