Dunboyne opened their Ted Murtagh SHC Group A campaign with 23 points to spare over Drumree at Kilmessan on Sunday afternoon.

Dunboyne 6-16
Drumree 1-8

On a blustery, mainly dry, day Dunboyne dominated from the off with three goals in each half quelling any chance of a shock outcome.

Sean Quigley emerged as Dunboyne's main markman from play with 2-3, including a goal in each half. Neil Hackett matched that with 1-6 (five points from frees).

Corner-forward Niall Smyth chipped with a brace of well-taken second-half goals. Midfielder Ger Murphy was Dunboyne's other goalscorer, registering just before the break.

Once the early rain passed the strong cross wind remained. Though Johnny Gorry's men were bossing matters, it wasn't until the 20th minute that more than three points separated the teams.

Niall Smyth and the lively Michael O'Grady created the opening for Hackett to net off the underside of the crossbar to leave the scoreboard reading 1-6 to 0-3.

Like a bus, the second goal arrived moments later when Barry Watters provided the assist for Quigley's first three-pointer.

In the ten minutes before the break, Dunboyne chalked up 3-3 while Drumree managed just two points, both from Shane Troy frees.

The Drumree number 11 posted five points from frees and was the only one of his side to register more than a single score.

When the interval arrived there were 14 points in it, 3-9 to 0-5. Within 90 seconds of the restart Shane Troy landed a free but it only offered temporary respite to the 2010 IHC champions.

Midfielder Ger Murphy and Barry Watters combined to set Quigley up for his second goal, in the 33rd minute. Dunboyne's next score was one of the highlights of the half with fine Hackett fetch preventing a sliotar from going wide before Smyth sent over.

Shane Troy was narrowly wide with a goal attempt ten minutes into the second-half. By the time the same player posted Drumree next score in the 53rd minute, Dunboyne had 5-13 on the board.

Time was running out when Drumree 'keeper Brian Coughlan saved well from Hackett but when the sliotar was recycled Quigley completed his tally in the 54th minute.

With David Reilly providing the assist, sub GT Troy fired home a fine goal that improved the complexion of the scoreline somewhat for Drumree.

Dunboyne raised two more white flags before Drumree's Duncan Geraghty closed the scoring with a fine point from play with time up.

Drumree will be back at Kilmessan on Friday (6.45) to take on Trim while Dunboyne face Na Fianna on Saturday (6.45) at Boardsmill.

Dunboyne - Stephen Clince; Mark O'Connor, Paul Fagan, Andy McWeeney; Niall Watters, Michael Dunne, Alan Watters; Ger Murphy (1-1), Barry Watters (0-2); Sean Quigley (2-3), Neil Hackett (1-6, 0-5fs), Barry Watters; Michael O'Grady, John Watters (0-2), Niall Smyth (2-2).

Drumree - Brian Coughlan; Paul Walsh, Christopher Doyle, Gavin Byrne; Ciaran Kenny, Keith Rooney, Gareth Rooney; Brian Walsh, Keith Commons (0-1); David Reilly (0-1), Shane Troy (0-5fs), Duncan Geraghty (0-1); Stephen Doyle, James Gaughan, John Walsh. Subs - Mark Devanney for Commons (29), Johnny Gilsenan for K Rooney (36), G T Troy (1-0) for Walsh (44), Liam Carey for S Doyle (51).

Referee - Stephen Masterson (Kildalkey). Tweet

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