Banteer goals prove the difference

commitment but the firepower necessary to convert opportunities into scores was lacking.

In fairness, Tullylease made a determined bid to rouse a comeback and a productive spell narrowed the arrears to just two points at the close of the third quarter.

Wayward shooting limited further inroads, it called for calmness and authority, Banteer had it in abundance to finish on the ascendency. Earlier, Tullylease had got off to a glorious start from points to Niall Collins and Stephen Stokes.

Banteer took up the challenge, based primary on the superiority of Martin Kearney, Colm Coughlan, Kevin Tarrant, Damien Kearney and Tadgh Sexton in the key departments. And Banteer’s confidence received a double boost in quick succession.

Hesitancy in the Tullylease rearguard allowed Brian O’Keeffe touch home in the 14th min before Jamie Sexton performed the spadework three minutes later for Roche to deliver a terrific smash to the net.

Tullylease attempted a recovery, points to Stephen Kiely, Aidan O’Gorman and Shane Hehir were answered by Sexton, Tarrant and Roche to allow Banteer enjoy a 2-6 to 0-7 interval advantage.

Though Banteer added to their tally upon the resumption courtesy of Sexton, the urgency in Tullylease’s game increased through the workrate of Stokes, Michael McSweeney and Hehir.

Four consecutive points to O’Gorman and Hehir narrow the gap to just two but their cause wasn’t helped by a litany of wides. At the opposite end, Banteer never panicked and though restricted to a single score during the third quarter, they proceeded to take the sting out of the Tullylease challenge from points by midfielders Coughlan and Tarrant.

Erratic shooting continued to frustrate Tullylease, fluffing a run of chances whereas a more solid Banteer added to their tally per Roche and Eamon O’Flynn to cap a competent showing.