Flying start
opening for Tuke.
Gary and Dermot Doran took over around the middle for a while and shared seven marks between them but a strong Avoca rear-guard where Robert Wilson and Michael Fahy were shining withstood the increasing Carnew pressure.
A clever short free by John Joe Myers to Mikie Osborne opened Carnew s second half account in the 38th minute before Andy Doyle soloed forward in reply with another Avoca point.
Dean Power then kicked a couple of fine scores from distance before Myers got on the scoresheet himself. Avoca now led 1-9 to 0-5 with ten minutes to play but still had a nervousness about them. A long kick out from John Harper bounced behind the midfield and Doyle was fastest to react and kick another good point.
Carnew had a goal chance cleared away from the line by Anthony Doran and after the scramble that followed Will O’Neill was shown a red card for Carnew in the 52nd minute.
Dean Power then unselfishly set Doyle up for a shot at goal which went narrowly wide as Avoca looked to close it out.
Carnew then had two clear cut goal chances when firstly Rob Youngs shot was blocked away after a clever Myers pass and a minute later corner back Paul Murphy seen his shot saved by Harper and the rebound cleared for a 45.
Avoca finished the stronger and kicked four more scores in injury time with Power (2), Doyle and Tuke again finding the range.
Avoca will test plenty in this championship and would have to be on the shortlist for honours. Fitness levels and discipline are certainly at a level that will please Leonard and his helpers.
Robert Roche; Paul Murphy, Patrick Nolan, Thomas Kinsella; Liam Kenny, Drew Brennan, Stephen Murphy (0-2); Jack Kearney, Joe Hughes; William Osborne (0-1), Dermot Doran, Mikie Osborne (0-1); JJ Myers (0-1), Darragh Kelly, Robert Young. Subs: Will O’Neill for Hughes (BS) 20 mins, Hughes for O’Neill 23 mins, Gary Doran for Kelly 38 mins, Will O’Neill for Liam Kenny, Padraig Doyle for Young 56 mins.
John Harper; Anthony Doran, Robert Wilson, Colin O’Connor; Stephen McCauley, Mikey Fahy, Aaron Tuke; Dean Power (0-4), Martin Kenny (0-1f); Chris Arthur, Patrick Kennedy (0-1), Andrew Doyle (0-3); Adam Tuke (1-2), PJ Fluskey (0-2), Jason Porter (0-1). Subs: Colin Doran for Kennedy 46 mins, Johnny Arthur for Porter 49 mins.
Stephen Fagan (Baltin- glass)