IFC: All square in high scoring encounter at Castletown
August 31, 2020
Syddan's Daire Rowe
DULEEK-BELLEWSTOWN 5-10 SYDDAN 3-16
With both sides needing victory and also Ballinabrackey to slip up against Oldcastle to have a chance of a semi-final spot these sides threw caution to the wind from the opening whistle of this IFC tie at Castletown on Saturday.
It ensured a high scoring encounter, certainly enough to win most games, but neither managed a victory and even if they did it still wouldn't have been enough to claim a knockout spot.
As no admission fee changed hands at the gate we cannot say that supporters got full value for money but the few who were in attendance were kept entertained throughout.
The East Meath side were a goal ahead inside 15 seconds after Jamie Crosby finished to the net. The lead changed hands on a number of occasions after that with one side then the other looking likely winners before veteran Brian Dillon converted a Syddan free with the last kick of the game for a share of the spoils.
John Flood added a point to that Crosby goal before Kevin Traynor opened the Syddan account. The scores flowed freely throughout the first quarter with Cormac Rowe firing to the net for Syddan and when the teams broke for the water break it was the north Meath outfit who held a slender advantage, 1-5 to 1-4.
Mark Collins struck for a second Duleek-Bellewstown goal on the resumption but that score was cancelled out as Paddy Farrelly netted at the other end. Syddan's next score was also a goal, this time from the penalty spot by Daire Rowe following a foul on Dillon.
A quickly-taken free set up John McDonnell for a third goal for the combined side before Daire Rowe's converted free separated the teams at half-time, Syddan ahead 3-6 to 3-5.
Jack Reid increased the lead on the restart and Syddan were three clear following Padraic Dillon's 35th minute point.
Mark Collins had opened Duleek-Bellewstown's second half account, Jamie Crosby added another point and they were back in front when Shane Crosby converted from the penalty spot on 39 minutes.
McDonnell was denied another goal by keeper Ben Bashford and at the end of the third quarter a point was all that was between the sides, Duleek-Bellewstown leading 4-9 to 3-11.
The loss of Robin Clarke to a black card had a bearing on proceedings as Syddan took advantage with three successive points from Daire Rowe. Sean Clare added another to leave Syddan three clear with five minutes remaining.
Duleek-Bellewstown weren't finished though and they struck for yet another goal, from Collins to again gain parity. Flood and Collins then missed chances to put their side ahead but Jamie Crosby made no mistake as he fisted over after cutting in from the right wing.
Dillon's late equaliser was fitting as it was a game neither side deserved to lose.
Duleek-Bellewstown - Anthony Dowling; Dominic McCabe, Kevin McCann, Stephen McArdle; Cian Ryan, Brian Moore, Robin Clarke (0-1); Shane Crosby (1-0), Jamie Flaherty; John Flood (0-4, three frees), Padraig Howard, Cianan Byrne (0-1); John McDonnell (1-0), Mark Collins (2-2), Jamie Crosby (1-2). Subs - Colm Regan for Ryan, Joe Hartford for Byrne, Jamie McWeeney for McDonnell.
Syddan - Ben Bashford; Stuart Fedigan, Ronan Mooney, Mark Fedigan; Michael Fedigan, Jack Reid (0-1), Graham Garland; Kevin Traynor (0-2), Sean Clare (0-1); Daire Rowe (1-7, 1-0 pen, three frees), Paddy Farrelly (1-0), Cormac Rowe (1-1); Brian Dillon (0-3, two frees), Padraic Dillon (0-1), Cathal Dardis. Sub - Kevin Garland for P Dillon.
Referee: Kieran Olwell (Moynalty)
