Mayfield always in control against Ballygiblin

Mayfield 2-20 Ballygiblin 0-15 Mayfield continued their good run in the Red FM Division 5 Co HL when they ran out convincing winners over Ballygiblin at Mayfield on Wednesday evening last week.

The opening stages saw Ballygiblin quick into the action. Kieran Duggan pointed from long range, while a well taken point by Diarmuid Allen moved them 0-2 to no score in front by the third minute. Mayfield quickly got to grips however and the sides were level at 0-3 each, before two rapid points from Nicky Kelly moved the home side 0-5 to 0-3 in front by the 13th minute.

Ballygiblin pulled a point back when a good clearance by Fionn Herlihy set up Joseph O’Sullivan, who scored a great point from long range. However, the Mayfield challenge was gathering momentum and this was reflected when Dave O’Neill (2), Nicky Kelly (2), Shane O’Donovan and Colm O’Donovan reeled off some great points that moved them 0-11 to 0-4 in front.

In the 22nd minute they struck for the first of their two goals when a great solo run by Nicky Kelly set up Shane Kelly for a well taken goal that opened up a ten point cushion. Further pressure before the break saw Dave Malone and Nicky Kelly add points, while Joseph O’Sullivan landed a late free for the Avondhu side, who trailed at the break by 1-13 to 0-5.

BALLYGIBLIN IMPROVE

On the changeover Ballygiblin, who were short several of the starting 15 that captured the All-lreland JHC title in January, came out a much improved side. They were denied an early goal scoring chance when Diarmuid Allen was narrowly wide. Joseph O’Sullivan and Nicky Kelly traded two frees by the 39th minute and moments later, a good pass by Kieran Duggan set up wing back Aaron O’Brien who pointed from long range.

Mayfield replied through a Nicky Kelly free and this was the trend throughout this half, with the Seandun side able to maintain a healthy lead that ensured only one outcome. Ballygiblin battled away with Joseph O’Sullivan converting two more frees. Moments later a good movement involving Jody Finn, Kieran Duggan and Diarmuid Allen resulted in Joseph O’Sullivan scoring a great point.

Dylan Reidy-Price closed the margin to 1-17 to 0-12 by the 50th minute when he sent over. In the last ten minutes both teams added three more points with the winners striking for their second goal in the 58th minute, when Shane Duggan and Shane Kelly combined well to set up Tomas Horgan who made no mistake from close range, as they ran out winners by a 10 point margin.

Ballygiblin: Jody Finn, Sean O’Doherty, Fionn Herlihy, Cian O’Brien, Kevin Bowler, Ryan Donegan, Aaron O’Brien (0-1), Killian Roche, Barry Coffey (0-1), Dylan Reidy-Price (0-1), Joseph O’Sullivan (0-11 - 0-8f), Kieran Duggan (0-1), Diarmuid Allen (0-1), Dillon Sheehan, Dean Barry. Subs: Adam Barry for Sean O’Doherty, Adam Gubbins for Diarmuid Allen.

Referee Cathan Tracey (Nemo Rangers).