Dunderry took a big step towards maintaining top flight status with a great win over local rivals Clann na nGael in this Ted Murtagh SHC Group B round three fixture on Sunday at Pairc Tailteann.

Dunderry ................ 2-14
Clann na nGael ....... 1-11

The decisive goals arrived in quick succession at the start of the final quarter and ultimately secured the first points of the campaign for the 2014 IHC champions.

Midfielder Luke Martyn bagged the first en route to posting 1-3 from play. Full-forward Dylan Keenan got the second to leave nine points between the sides, 2-11 to 0-8, with 47 minutes on the clock.

The hour was almost up when sub Aaron Ryan netted for Clann na nGael after Caoimhin Griffin's effort was blocked. Two more points completed a memorable afternoon for Dunderry who previously lost to Kiltale and Blackhall Gaels.

Clann na nGael's remaining group fixtures are against Dunboyne and Kiltale; a tall order if they to avoid a relegation play-off.

The drizzle ceased before the off and nearly five mintues elapsed before midfielder Caoimhin Griffin pointed Clann na nGael in front.

Another four minutes passed before Dunderry midfielder posted the leveling scores.

As the conditions improved, Dunderry - playing towards the town goal - tagged on four points on the bounce, all from the stick of Christopher Harrington.

That quartet of scores from placed balls - three frees and a 65 - left it 0-5 to 0-1 after 20 minutes.

With Eamon O Donnchu leading the charge Clann na nGael outscored their neighbours by 0-4 to 0-2 over the remainder of the half.

A pointed Paddy Geraghty sideline cut in the 26th minute was the highlight of this sequence.

By half-time Dunderry had recorded seven wides, four more than their opponents. More significantly they led by 0-7 to 0-5.

Despite playing into the elements, Dunderry doubled their advantage within six minutes of resumption.

Dunderry's lead was down to the minimum, 0-8 to 0-9, by the 42nd minute when Eamon O Donnchu landed a free. Despite playing with the breeze Clann na nGael were unable to make further headway before falling to their third defeat of the campaign.

Dunderry - Ivan McCormack; Davy Stephens, Evan Stephens, Aaron Feeney; Jordan Martin, David McCormack, Brendan Wright; Luke Martyn (1-3), Liam Dempsey; Stephen Coogan, Conor Farrell (0-2), Christopher Harrington (0-7, 6fs, 1 65); Alex Walsh (0-1), Dylan Keenan (1-1), David Gilkeson. Subs - Thomas Conroy for Coogan (50), John Moore for Keenan (56)

Clann na nGael - Darren Heaney; Jack Doherty, Andrew McCormack, Sean Reilly; John O'Sullivan, Aaron Ennis (0-1 f), Luke Swaine; Eddie Doherty, Caoimhin Griffin (0-2); Gary Cole, Garry Mangan (0-2), Ciaran Fitzsimons; Paddy Geraghty (0-1 sl), Gerry O'Sullivan, Eamon O Donnchu (0-5, 3fs). Subs - Aaron Ryan (1-0) for E Doherty (38), Aaron Doherty for J O'Sullivan (50), Shane Leavy for Cole (52).

Referee - Sean Gahan (Ratoath)

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