Carnaross 1-19 Ballinlough 2-14

Neighbours Carnaross and Ballinlough served up a thrilling encounter in Round 1 of the Junior D Championship with end to end action throughout. The result could have gone either way but a late surge from Carnaross resulted in a two point victory over last year's beaten finalists.

The opening ten minutes set the tone for the game with the sides level on 1-2 apiece. Carnaross took an early lead with points from Patrick Smith and Ollie Murphy but the advantage quickly swung in favour of the Ballinlough men when they hit a quickfire 1-2 in the space of three minutes. Paddy Dillon restored parity when he found the net following good build up play from the two Ollie's, Murphy and Farrelly.

Carnaross added two more points from Ollie Murphy and Decky Reilly, who recently returned home following a failed ice hockey career in Canada. Ballinlough hit back with a converted free but Carnaross went on to dominate the remainder of the opening half and points from Ollie Murphy (1), Decky Reilly (2), Ollie Farrelly (2) gave them a 1-9 to 1-5 advantage at half-time.

Decky Reilly opened the scoring after the restart to open the gap to five points, but Ballinlough wiped out that lead hitting 1-2 in the space of two minutes to leave the sides all square. Carnaross edged in front with a point each from Pierce Fleming and Decky Reilly but once again Ballinlough hit back to level with twenty minutes remaining.

The game was now at fever pitch with both sides exchanging two points each with Patrick Smith and Ollie Murphy pointing for Carnaross. With the game entering the closing stages it swung in favour of Ballinlough who opened up a two point advantage with three minutes of normal time remaining. However, Carnaross battled on and levelled matters with points from attacking wing back Patrick Smith and the lively Decky Reilly and a draw looked to be on the cards. However, substitute John L McGee who was making his Junior D debut had the final say as he landed two points in added time to give his side the victory.

It was a good start to the campaign for a Carnaross who got all bar three of their scores from play. There was a good blend of youth and experience, with Jack Roche making his debut for the club at adult level.

Carnaross: Eamonn Comaskey; Jack Roche, Matthew O'Reilly, Cian Yore; Patrick Smith (0-3), Brian Comaskey, Aidan Lynch; Pierce Fleming (0-1), Peter Mullan; Blaine Lynch, Decky Reilly (0-7, 1f), Paddy Dillon (1-0); Alan O'Reilly, Ollie Murphy (0-4, 1f), Ollie Farrelly (0-2); Subs: Stephen Dawson for Blaine Lynch; John L McGee (0-2, 1f) for Alan O'Reilly;

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