Christy Ring Cup round-up

July 06, 2008
Saturday's Christy Ring Cup action produced wins for Wicklow, Mayo, Derry and Down. At Athleague, Wicklow stormed to a 3-21 to 0-12 victory over a shell-shocked Roscommon side. Midfielder Jonathan O'Neill was the star of the show for the visitors, and was ably supported by Eamonn Furlong and the returning Don Hyland. The result never looked in any doubt after Timmy Collins' goal helped the Garden men to a 1-10 to 0-5 interval lead. And despite the best efforts of Mervyn Connaughton, there was no way back for the home side who shipped a further brace of goals before the end. Mayo bounced back from last weekend's defeat to Meath with a surprise 0-18 to 0-15 victory over Kerry at Castlebar. A miserable afternoon for Pat Heffernan's fancied side was compounded by the dismissal of Michael Conway on a second yellow card. Adrian Freeman was in fine form from placed balls for the home side, finishing with a personal tally of 0-9. Dual star Keith Higgins was also on top of his game in defence, and scored a vital point to give his side the lead in the closing stages before a late brace from Freeman put the issue beyond doubt. Despite leaking five goals in an amazing 15-minute spell either side of half-time, Derry came strong late on to defeat Ulster rivals Armagh by 4-14 to 5-6 at Celtic Park. The home side dominated the opening 30 minutes, racing into a 2-7 to 0-1 lead thanks to goals from Ruairi Convery and Sam Dodds. But in a remarkable turnaround, Mattie Lennon's Armagh netted five times per John Corvan (twice), Fiachra Quinn, Cathal Carville and Ger Enright to take the lead early in the second half. Derry managed to steady themselves, however, and came out on top thanks to late majors from Mark Craig and Paddy Henry. At Ruislip, Gareth 'Magic' Johnson came off the bench in the closing stages to inspire Down to a 1-25 to 2-8 triumph over London. Johnston was only on the pitch for five minutes, but contributed 1-2 as the Ardsmen ran out flattering 14-point winners. Jim McKernan's charges set the early tempo but the concession of a Mark Mythen goal just before the interval cut their lead to just two points, 0-11 to 1-6. Ian Walsh's early second half strike kept the Exiles in contention, but a strong defensive display and Johnson's late cameo ensured that Down weren't to be denied.

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