IFC round-up: Clan start with win, Hunterstown through
July 21, 2014
Billy Smyth Clan Na Gael
The Seans came into the match fresh from a comfortable win over Young Irelands but within 15 seconds of the throw-in they found themselves behind to a Paul Martin goal.
That score proved the difference at the end of a keenly contested first half as the Castletown men went in with a 1-4 to 0-4 advantage.
After conceding an early point, the Clans then took firm control of the game with points from Billy Smith (2) and Mark McGeown before Smith capped a fine game by tucking home a penalty to make it 2-7 to 0-5 on 40 minutes.
The Seans were unable to bridge that gap despite goalkeeper, Benny Traynor, landing three points, two from '45s' and one long range free.
Meanwhile Hunterstown Rovers have made it through to the last eight of the Intermediate Championship after a 2-10 to 0-12 victory over Nh Malachi at Stabannon saw them top Group 3.
There was little between the teams throughout the first half as the teams battled for control. Rovers grabbed the only goal of the half through Ryan Burns but with Kevin Rogers, Jamie Clarke and Shane Roddy among the scores, the Courtbane side went in at the break trailing by just 1-7 to 0-9.
Scores were scarce in the second half but a second goal from Burns secured the win, leaving the Malachis to battle it out with St Mochtas for the remaining quarter-final place.
Last season's Intermediate Championship runners-up, St Brides, scored an impressive 2-13 to 1-9 win over Glyde Rangers to blow Group 4 wide open.
The Tallanstown side scored a good win over Roche Emmets the previous week but they were unable to recapture that form as this game as over by half time. The Brides were given a boost by a fortuitous goal as Emmet Kirk's centre bounced over goalkeeper, Gerard Carroll and into an empty net.
Sean Brennan added a second to give his side a commanding 2-8 to 0-3 lead at the break. The Knockbridge men were never threatened in the second half and the emerged with a comfortable win despite Niall Sharkey scoring a late goal for Glyde. Tweet
