Encouraging Win in Junior B League

Post date: May 10, 2012 4:59:38 PM

Magh Cuilinn 2-12. Clarenbridge 1-09

CIMC recorded their first victory in the Junior B League 2012 at a windy Clarenbridge on Wednesday evening. The previous game against Killimor had been rained off and An Spideal had failed to field in the opening round of the City League. Even this match had been postponed from the Bank Holiday Monday with the loss of home advantage.

In all 21 players made the journey to Clarenbridge. CIMC started against a stiff breeze and Clarenbridge opened their account briskly from a free. Their second score though did not register for quite a while as the CIMC defence coped well. In between, Ian Noone, turned away from his tackler to open the visitors account. Clarenbridge added a third only to be pegged back by a fine score from Seamus Conneely. Minutes later Martin Mulkerins pass found Ian Noone all alone in front of goal and he duly dispatched it to the net to put Magh Cuilinn in front. Michael Hurney responded to a 'bridge reply before Clarenbridge won a 20 metre free. While Eric Fox dealt with the initial shot the rebound was finished into the net to put Clarenbridge in front again. Paddy Reilly did get a equaliser but the home team edged in front again. Shots by Seamus Conneely and Noone were scrambled away before David Bohan crashed the ball into the net from a seemingly impossible angle. Clarenbridge did get a point in response but Morgan Darcy pointed a free from an acute angle to close the scoring for first half with CIMC 2-05 to 1-06 in front. Clarenbridge did go for another goal from a 20m free but Eric saved again and the resultant 65m was missed.

Now playing with the aid of a stiff breeze, Mágh Cuilinn took control of the game immediately with points from play from Seamus Conneely and Michael Hurney. When Clarenbridge fouled the ball under pressure from Shane Barrett on the 65m by the sideline, Morgan Darcy took the score effortlessly. Minutes later, Michael was dragged down on the 20m but Morgan had to be content with a point as his rising shot skimmed the crossbar. Now six points clear, CIMC had several opportunities to extend the lead but failed to do so. Clarenbridge began to mount a comeback but found it difficult to get scores against a resolute defence. The Clarenbridge full forward did make a barrelling burst from the 45m to the 20m but luckily his kicked effort skimmed over the crossbar. A couple of points from frees meant the margin was down to three until a point from play by Morgan Darcy ended a long barren patch. Late scores by Michael Hurney and Seamus Conneely gave Mágh Cuilinn a deserved six point victory. CIMC are only playing in this higher League grade by special permission, so despite the fact that some players may be lost to Senior, it augurs well for a good run in the Championship.

Mágh Cuilinn: Eric Fox, Alan Kelly, David Faherty, Paddy Walsh, John Faherty, Paul Burke, Michael Faherty, Seamus Conneely, Michael Hurney, Shane Barrett, Paddy Reilly, Morgan Darcy, Martin Mulkerins, Ian Noone, David Bohan.

Sub: Richard Neylon for David Bohan, Luke Bohan for John Faherty, Fiachra Davoren for Martin Mulkerins, Michael Dempsey for Ian Noone

Subs not used: Frank Enright, Peter Barrett