St. Brigid’s fall to Cargin in Toome by a point.
The trip to the Lough shore proved an unsuccessful one in terms of points gained, but in terms of progress made since winning the intermediate championship in 2006 a great gulf has been closed. The visitors started meekly and were often second to the ball in the first quarter and it took a well finished goal from Niall Cunningham to put Naomh Brid into an early undeserved lead. However, Erin’s Own had the better of the midfield exchanges with Michael McCann in fine form and the St Brigid’s half back line were led a merry dance by an attack full of pace. A goal from the young Cargin full forward brought a four point lead for the hosts at the break. Highlights of the first half were the exceptional form of James Loughery and the livewire display from Ryan Brolly at corner forward.
The introduction of Cole and McAuley helped a little and gradually the Malone men were making headway. A second goal from Cargin did stretch their lead to six points at a time however, with Cunningham and Brolly accurate from frees the margin narrowed to four. A long ball was tapped down to an onrushing Joe Brolly who converted well from close range and an exciting last five minutes ensued. The experience of the South West men held out in the end to record a one point victory.
The Division 5 team kept up the pressure for promotion with a 1:10 to 0:5 win over
Aldergrove. However, the scoreline does not reflect how close this game was. Strong second half displays from Paul Finnegan, Conor Mackle and especially Ben Synott won the day for the Malone Road men.
