Final rematch goes way of the champions

GAEIL Colmcille opened the defence of their A FL Division 1 title with a victory over the team they defeated in last year’s decider at Paddy O’Brien Park on Friday night.

This win for the holders was more convincing than the scoreline suggests as the Kells men were in control of proceedings once they recovered from the concession of an early goal.

Lar Wall’s charges had the advantage of a significant breeze in the opening half but were on the back foot early on after conceded a second-minute goal to Jake Regan’s punched effort.

However, they soon settled into the game and were on level terms after just four minutes following two fine efforts from Cormac Mattimoe and another from his brother Seamus.

The visitors eventually went ahead through an Oisin Reilly point and were two points clear following a brace from Danny McGovern, but Navan O’Mahonys hit back to level by the 18th minute.

It was Gaeil Colmcille who finished the half stronger and points from James Reilly, two from Seamus Mattimoe and an

Adam Muldoon, Paul Tormay, Jordan Muldoon; Aaron Browne, Sean Curran, Adam Donnelly; Liam Ferguson 0-1; Conal Courtney 0-1; Oisin Reilly 0-1, Fionn Ferguson, James Reilly 0-1; Seamus Mattimoe 0-5 (1f, 1m), Danny McGovern 0-2 (1f), Cormac Mattimoe 0-2. Subs: Brian Hanlon for C Mattimoe (50), Stephen Reddy for McGovern (53).

NAVAN O’MAHONY’S: Rory Maguire; Brian Dillon, Niall McKeigue, Mikey Reilly; Patrick Leahy, Darragh Maguire, Gary O’Brien 0-1; Conor Finnegan, Duggie Dillon 0-1; Cathal Smyth 0-1, Eoin Joyce 0-1, Alan Forde; Jake Regan 1-2 (2f), Stephen Bray, Eimhin Power.. Subs: Rory Maguire for Joyce (39), Craig O’Toole for Smyth (50). Ronan Clarke for Bray (55), Niall McGrane for D Dillon (58), Aodhan Mallon for Leahy (58).

REF: Martin Dawson (St Michael’s)

•Only two other games in Division 1 survived the weather and both were played on Friday night.

County champions Ratoath hosted Na Fianna and ended comfortable enough winners - 4-7 to 2-6.

The other match was also a home win, with Dunshaughlin easily overcoming the challenge of Oldcastle on a 0-16 to 0-6 scoreline.

Dunshaughlin were ahead 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time before going on to dominate throughout the second half.