Rathnew edge

RATHNEW DUNLAVIN 1-12 1-11

RATHNEW edged Dunlavin in an action packed D’Arcy Sand Intermediate football championship Group 2 game in Joule Park, Aughrim on Sunday afternoon.

The village withstood a late fightback from the western men as a six-point lead midway through the second half was whittled down to the minimum but held on to record a crucial victory.

Dunlavin will no doubt be hugely disappointed and a spurned two good goal chances near the end that might have gotten them over the line but in reality is was the periods before and after half time which cost them as Rathnew dominated and built up a nice lead.

Dunlavin should take heart in how they fought back though and on another day they may convert those chances and come away with a different outcome.

It was a fast paced game throughout with some great scores and good passing and movement. Dunlavin seemed to a have the slightly faster team up front but the likes of Philly Murphy, Edward Doyle and Jordan Graham were brilliant for the village men and instrumental to the victory. Rathnew’s backs were tenacious for most of the game and it wasn’t until late on that the likes of Fionn Deegan and James Walsh got in behind them but unfortunately for Dunlavin this came a little too late.

Edward Doyle’s goal in the 45th minute ultimately proved to be the difference and the veteran Rathnew player was a real thorn in the sight of Thomas Whelan throughout and kicked some brilliant points.

The game started at a million miles an hour as the sides went score for score. Three time’s Dunlavin took the lead but each time Rathnew pegged them back. Aaron Phelan was very prominent catching kick outs clean and making surging run’s through the middle, one of which yielded the opening score as James Walsh converted a close in free.

Philly Murphy opened Rathnew’s account after good work from Stuart Murphy and Andrew O’Brien and the Rathnew captain had a fine game as every time the ball left his boot it usually found a red and green jersey or else sailed over the black spot.

Danny Staunton also had a good game for Rathnew and his point epitomised their effort as he disposed the Dunlavin man on his own 45 before getting on the end of the following attack to leave the sides locked at 3 points a piece.

An injury to Rathnew full back James Manley stalled what was a frantic opening but thankfully he was okay to leave the pitch on his own accord and Edward Doyle got them back on track as he swivelled and scored a sweet point on the stand side.

James Walsh kept Dunlavin in it from dead balls and the sides were separated by the minimum entering first half stoppage time but Philly had the final say of the half as he landed two exquisite scores to