GROUP 2

Scartaglin 1-16 Valentia 2-8

SCARTAGLIN are one of the favourites for this year’s junior title and on all known form Valentia would be expected to struggle somewhat. The Covid-19 emergency, however, has allowed a lot of clubs to reset and despite losing two of their best players – the O’Sullivan brothers Brendan and Paul – Valentia were valiantly competitive against Scart on Sunday afternoon going down to a very creditable five point defeat.

For their part Scartaglin showed plenty of signs of being the likely title challengers so many of us expected before the competition beind. Indeed, they started brightly and led 1-5 to a single point after 15 minutes. Kerry underage star Seán Horan with the goal after a defence splitting pass from brother Eddie Horan.

Valentia to give them their dues battled back and were rewarded with a pair of quickfire goals either side of the water break.

Andy Quigley converted a penalty before John Shanahan goaled after a great turnover from Joe Lynch.

That left it

Scartaglen 1-10 Valentia 2-2 at the half-time break.

The game was probably over as a competitive proposition at that stage – Scart were always likely to win through – but the second half remained a live affair, with the Islanders giving as good as they got despite that seven point halftime deficit.

The second half was an even affair with the pick of the scores from Scart’s Eddie Horan and Valentia’s Joe Lynch. Best on the day for Scartaglin was Seán Horan, ably supported by Mike Horan and Eddie Horan who top scored with eight points.

Best after an encouraging display for Valentia were Joe Lynch and Mark Lynch who pulled off a series of outstanding saves in an accomplished performance between the sticks.

Next up for Valentia is a home game in Chapeltown against Beale, while Scartagliin will hope that a victory on the road to Cordal will be enough to secure their place in the quarter-finals of this year’s championship. The draw in Ballybunion opens this group up very nicely and makes things a little unpredictable.