A strong second half display saw Kilmessan defeat Boardsmill by 1-15 to 1-10 in the Brendan Davis Cup semi final at Kildalkey on Thursday evening.

The sides were evenly matched throughout the first half and it was no surprise that they went in level at half time, 1-08 each.

However, Kilmessan stepped up in the second half and playing down the hill, they outscored their opponents by 0-7 to 0-2.

Boardsmill were the first to score with a Thomas Reilly point from play, but Kilmessan soon settled and points by Ger O'Neill and midfielder Darren Reilly soon had them in front.

By the midway stage of the first half, James Heffernan's charges were four points to the good after O'Neill scrambled the sliotar to the net from close range.

To their credit, Boardsmill finished the half strong and following a well taken goal, frees from Reilly and Jimmy Pratt (2) saw them draw level.

The second half saw Nicky Horan point from frees, while Boardsmill struggled to create scoring chances, even though their defence was being well marshalled by Neil McLoughlin and Niall Weir.

Kevin Keena scored a fine point from play to push Kilmessan five points clear with five minutes remaining before Boardsmill were awarded a penalty by referee Pat Gannon.

Up stood, county minor dual star Charlie Bird who struck his shot well, but Kilmessan goalkeeper Mark Brennan saved well and the danger was averted as Gannon blew for full time.

Kilmessan will now meet St Peter's Dunboyne in the final.

Kilmessan scorers: Nicky Horan 0-07, Darren Reilly 0-02, Seanie Doyle 0-01, Paul Grimes 0-01, Kevin Keena 0-02, Ger O Neill 1-02.

Team: Mark Brennan, Patsy McGovern, Charles Keena, Padraig Maguire, Martin Horan, Peter Farrell, Pauric Burke, Richie Donnelly, Darren Reilly, Paul Grimes, Nicky Horan, Seanie Doyle, Danny Maguire, Kevin Keena, Ger O Neill. Subs: Kevin O'Reilly for Richie Donnelly, Tony Horan for Pauric Burke, Josh Dennaghy for Danny Maguire, Ryan Montague- Paul Grimes. Tweet

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