Seniors back on track
In a blistering second half performance Naomh Brid rediscovered some of their form of last season to crush O’Donovan Rossa and claim their first ACL Div 2 points at Harlequins.
After the disappointment of the Aghagallon defeat, and noticeably strengthened by the return of James Loughrey from county duty, Naomh Brid began brightly with a fine score from full forward Dara Edwards after good approach work. However, the lead was short-lived as a loose clearance from defence gifted possession to a Rossa forward, who was impeded in the area and granted a somewhat dubious penalty, which was duly converted. The home side hit back with an classy Sweeney point before Edwards was unfortunate to see his shot bounce off the post after an excellent overhead catch.
But a tentative home defence seemed determined to keep Rossa in the picture with several passes going astray, leading to three away points, interspersed with a MacSherry free in reply. Both sides then swapped points before Naomh Brid eventually began to find their passing range, with good scores from Brolly and Sweeney restoring parity. Rossa, though, had the last say, edging back in front with a free on the whistle.
Half time: Naomh Brid 0-7 O’Donovan Rossa 1-5
An inspired substitution at the interval paid immediate dividends when Chris McCann punched an Edwards punt superbly to the roof of the net to regain the lead. And within a minute MacSherry found Barry McMahon who drilled home from close range to finish an excellent move started deep in defence. With the visitors clearly rocked by the double set-back, Naomh Brid opened up with a succession of points from the on-song McCann, McMahon and Brolly, to put the result beyond doubt. A full 20 minutes had elapsed before Rossa registered their solitary point of the half as the game had long since turned into the proverbial procession.
The Malone boys rattled off a further four points for good measure courtesy of McCann, the Brollys and MacSherry, to send the faithful home in good spirits. With the league pace-setters Rasharkin showing no signs of slacking, this was a must-win match to keep in touch at the top. Hopes will be high for more of the second half display with successive mid-week home fixtures against McDermott’s and Glenravel (who have sneaked into second spot, having played an extra game).
Full time: Naomh Brid 2-17 O’Donovan Rossa 1-6
Man of the Match: C McCann
Team: J Mackle, P Finegan, R Smyth (C McCann), B McMahon, D O’Hagan, G McGonigle (Joe McKeever), G Macklin, J McGuckin, J Loughrey, B Reilly (Chris Donnelly), M Sweeney (Conor Mullan), M Donnelly, J Brolly, D Edward (R Brolly), M MacSherry
