St Johns through to Junior B Football League decider again

St Johns 4-10 Grange 3-6

ST Johns, who reached the County JBFL final last year when losing to Cobh by a point, are back in another decider.

On Friday night in Glantane they had a deserved win over Grange in this year’s semi final. The game was played in wintry conditions and was most entertaining all through. Both sides had their moments but in the end it was the fitness and scoring power of St. John’s that prevailed. Their midfielders Eoin and David Barrett were very solid throughout.

Grange opened with a David Keating point. Good play by Shane Kelleher led to an equalising point by Pat Rohan. Jamie Kelleher with a pointed free edged the Duhallow side ahead after nine minutes.

Grange struck back for an equaliser by Noel Barry at the end of the first quarter. Good play for Grange by Colin Scott led to a lead point. St Johns found the net from a long range free by John O’Mahony.

David Keating pointed for Grange in off the post with O’Mahony replying as St Johns led 1-3 to 0-4. Eric Barrett pointed and opened up a goal lead. In the 25th minute Grange were back on terms when David Keating worked well for Niall McCarthy who netted and levelled 1-4 each. In the closing moments Grange edged ahead with a Colin Scott free as they held a 1-5 to 1-4 lead at the break.

On the resumption St Johns were quick to get ahead when impressive John O’Mahony put Eric Barrett through for a goal. Kurt Wheeler worked well on the flank and pointed.

Both sides missed a few chances with John O’Mahony with a great point in the 45th minute giving the winners a goal lead 2-6 to 1- 6. Grange got level when Kurt Wheeler cut through but his effort was saved by Hugh Sheehan with the rebound coming to Wheeler who netted 2-6 each.

From here on St Johns dominated. Their attack took some great scores. They moved seven points clear by the 54th minute when Eoin Barrett soloed through and placed Peter O’Sullivan who goaled 3-10 to 2- 6.

David Keating found the net for Grange but a quick reply by Brian Kelleher who netted from close range saw the Duhallow side emerge winners by 4-10 to 3-6. They will now meet either Kilmurry or Glenville in the final.

ST JOHNS: H Sheehan, C Lane, D O’Keeffe, P O’Keeffe, S Kelleher, K Sheehan, P Rohan 0-1, Eoin Barrett 0-4, D Barrett, A Sheehan, J O’Mahony 1-3, B Kelleher 1-0, Eric Barrett 1-1, J Kelleher 0-1f, P O’Sullivan 1-0 Subs: A Sheehan for A Sheehan, T Sheehan for J Kelleher, D Kelleher for P O’Sullivan

GRANGE: D O’Shea, S O’Connor, M Hennessy, T Hynes, D Scott, J Carmody, K Kelleher, P Stapleton, R Fraher, C Scott 0-2 (0-1f), K Wheeler 1-1, N McCarthy 1-0, J O’Gorman, N Barry 0-1, D Keating 1-2. J Moneti for P Stapleton, L Tobin for J O’Gorman, S Cashman for K Kelleher (inj)

REFEREE: Ciaran O’Regan (Ballyhea)