Matthews are ‘Slane’ by Boyne Valley Inn

BOYNE VALLEY INN 5 MATTHEWS 1

BOYNE Valley Inn of Slane are bound for the Duleek & District League’s top flight after emerging comprehensive winners of the Division 1 Final at Dunleer’s Valley Inn.

Matthews, who finished top of the league and defeated Boyne Valley in previous games, started as slight favourites against the Slane outfit who had to overcome both Carranstown B and Maguires to reach the decider.

However, Boyne Valley took control early on, with smooth victories for Martin Farrelly and John Dillon giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead which they never looked in danger of losing.

Gary Faulkner piled further woe on the Collon team when beating Kevin Englishby 2-1 in the third game, before Damian Grimes gave Matthews some hope with a determined 2-1 success over Curtis Harding in the fourth leg.

However, it was not to be as successive wins for John Lane and Mark Carolan secured the the title for Boyne Valley Inn who on this display will more than hold their own in the Premier ranks.

It’s back to the drawing board for Matthews, who more than likely will still be competing in Division 1 next season, depending on the number entries.

Afterwards, various presentations were made to both teams by league committee members. The winning captain Curtis Harding received the cup on behalf of Boyne Valley, team trophies and cash prize, while Gavin Monaghan accepted the team plaque for Matthews as well as team medals and a cash prize. The Man of the Match award went to Gary Faulkner of Boyne Valley Inn.

BOYNE VALLEY: Martin Farrelly, John Dillon, Gary Faulkner, Curtis Harding, John Lane, Mark Carolan, Chris Moffett, Martin Dowdall, Alan Hussey.

MATTHEWS: William Englishby, Karl Fox, Kevin Englishby, Damian Grimes, Gary Monaghan, Denis O’Brien, Colm Flanagan, Gavin Monaghan, Darren Finn.

CALLER: Johnny Andrews; Marker: Ian Lowthe.

Results

Fosters Div 2 League Final

Thatch C 5 Greenans 3 (at Morning Star, Tullyallen).

Fosters Div 3 League Final

Sally Inn B 5 Mariner B 3 (at Thatch Lounge, Drogheda).

Fixtures

Friday April 20th at 9.30 Shield Final Group B

Alverno v Valley Inn (at Alverno, Laytown).

Saturday April 21st at 9.30

Tom Grimes Cup Final

Thatch A v Carranstown A (at Watters, Collon).

Friday April 27th at 9.30

John Speedy Heavey Cup Final

Thatch C v Valley Inn (at Lynchs, Slane).