Killeavy 2-07 Carrickcruppen 2-14
Killeavy hosted Cruppen on Friday night after a disappointing defeat the previous weekend in attrocious conditions in Cullyhanna. It was cool and damp on Friday night, with little breeze, and Gary Reel got Killeavy off to a good start with a lovely point from centre half back. A lost ball in defence led to Cruppen's equaliser, and from that point on, the visitors really dominated the half. Cruppen won a monopoly of possession on the breaking ball, and with forwards like Keenan, Harold and Loughran on song, they rattled over several excellent scores. Two points from wing backs was followed quickly by a goal from the Killeavy kickout to give them a commanding lead. Killeavy were lifeless in response, and points from McDonnell (2 frees) and a fine point from Gerard Byrne were Killeavy's only high points of the half. A great save by Blain Cromie kept Killeavy just about in touch, while a great goal chance at the end of the half saw Raymond Teggart's effort blocked on the Cruppen goal line.Half-Time: Killeavy 0-04 Carrickcruppen 1-07
Faced with a six point deficit, Killeavy didnt inspire at the start of the second half. Indeed it was Cruppen who added another goal and two points. Cruppen still held a complete stranglehold on breaking ball, and only the introduction of Shane Boylan did anything to address this factor. He set up a score for Barry Magee, and then dropped a ball into the edge of the square for Justin Reel to bang home a goal and give Killeavy some hope. Moments later sub Mark Stanfield opened up the Cruppen defence and fed Anthony O'Hare to slip home the second goal in a minute. Killeavy were now only four behind. However, they could not sustain a challenge and Cruppen's excellent attacking yielded four further points. Killeavy finished a dismal night with two frees from Stephen McDonnell. This was a night to forget for Killeavy, with a seriously sub-par performance, lacking hunger and belief. Despite the fact they were missing five or six key players, they will slide quickly down the table unless they add significant hunger and drive to their performance.Full-Time: Killeavy 2-07 Carrickcruppen 2-14
Killeavy Team: B. Cromie, S. Stokes, L. O'Hare, C. Quinn, R. McConville, G. Reel(0-1), P. Donnelly, J. Duffy, C. Hickey, P. Hannaway, R. Teggart, B. Magee(0-1),G. Byrne(0-1), S. McDonnell(0-3, 3F), A. O'Hare(1-1).Subs:J. Reel(1-0) for R. Teggart (40min), S.Boylan for S. Stokes(45min), M. Stanfield for G. Byrne(45)