Cambridge Parnells 5-10 St. Colmcilles 0-5 Sundon Park basked in glorious sunshine last Sunday and Parnells showed why they are the kingpins in Herts when they comprehensively defeated holders St. Colmcilles to add the League title to their growing silverware. Both sides were understrength but with Maurice Fallon back in attack, Parnells had an outstanding addition to their artillery. Particularly in the opening half, Fallon was everywhere. There is no more committed footballer to be found and his goal and two points were well deserved. Colmcilles struggled against their more fleet-footed opponents and a better organised side. They were down 1-3 to nil after 15 minutes. The opening goal hit the side hard. Parnells Chris Kitteringham walloped the ball goalwards only to see it rebound back to him when it struck a colleague s body. Kitteringham pounced to goal as goalkeeper Tony Caines struggled to recover from his initial attempt to save. The twin threat of fullforwards Kitteringham and Darren Ó Loane was lethal in the opening half. Actually their markers Craig Fetherstone and Damian Ó Hara can hold their heads high but the balls just kept arriving. Victory was all but sealed when Parnells were awarded a penalty right on half-time. Although it was probably a penalty unnecessarily given away. The shot at goal from the end line was never likely to ensure a score but the jersey pull left referee Paul Connolly no option but to point to the 13metre line. Caines guessed correctly but Ó Loane s kick was inch perfect and directed to the corner. Colmcilles forwards were forced further out the field to win ball as the opening half progressed. With Martin Coleman and Mark Sweeney dominant at midfield and Conor Ó Connor, John Regan and Fintan McMorrow in mean mood at the back. Colmcilles sole opening half reward was a pointed free from Aaron Ó Byrne. A 3-6 to 0-1 deficit at the interval did not bode well for a Colmcilles revival. But the St. Albans side is not just decorated with medals. They are a side full of courage and pride. Neil Gallagher and James Lane added two early points. A goal then might have driven the side to a margin where Parnells felt shaken. But good opportunities were missed and the Cambridge side settled once more. Colmcilles did play their best football in the second-half with Shane Lynch, Adrian Ó Rourke, Pat Leydon and Plunkett McGreevy breaking evens with their opponents. It was that poacher Ó Loane who put victory beyond any lingering doubt when he goaled in the 48th minute. A quick passing movement between Paul Lynch and Paul Ó Sullivan enrolled Ó Loane who blasted the ball to the net from 20 metres out. Colmcilles kept battling but Parnells were ensured of their first League title. Tweet

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