TWO MILE HOUSE 2-15
HUNTERSTOWN ROVERS 1-12

Two Mile House became the first Kildare side to win the Leinster Club JFC title since 2000 with a six-point final victory over Hunterstown Rovers of Louth at St Conleth's Park.

It was a huge disappointment for the Louth side after they put in an admirable performance over the hour, but ultimately they were made pay for a very slow start to the game which saw the hosts six points up inside ten minutes.

Chris Healy's third minute goal gave the home side the perfect start and they raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead.

Hunterstown showed great bravery to force their way back into the game, and even take the lead after 40 minutes but, unfortunately, that effort took its toll on them and the hosts were stronger in the closing stages to claim victory by a flattering six point margin.

Despit losing captain Padraig Matthews to injury, the Louth side showed great character to fight back and led by scores from Ryan Burns they gradually reduced the gap, while a goal from Richie Taaffe had them right back in the game when trailing by just 1-5 to 1-4.

The Kildare side responded in the closing minutes of the half with two points to lead by 1-7 to 1-4 at the break.

Hunterstown dominated the opening ten minutes of the second period and outscored their opponents by 0-5 to 0-1 to take a 1-9 to 1-8 lead.

The game was still there for the taking entering the last 15 minutes when the teams were level at 1-10 each. However, Two Mile House made the decisive move with a quick fire goal from Healy and a point to re-establish their supremacy.

The Lilywhite club could even afford the luxury of a late penalty miss. Healy's attempt was saved by Alan Fedigan.

Two Mile House - J Goff; M Kelly, W Burke, B Byrne; N Sherry, P Kelly, N McLoughlin; D Casey (0-1), N Browne (0-1); C Healy (2-2), M Sherry (0-2), A Burke; C Julian (0-3), S Darcy, A Casey (0-6). Subs: D Browne for Byrne, B Merrins for D Casey, T O'Neill for A Burke.

Hunterstown - A Fedigan; B Matthews, C Carrie, Patrick Matthews; M Lennon, K Brennan, D Finn (0-1); T McKenna, C Matthews; M O'Sullivan, P Carrie, B Lennon (0-1); A Landy (0-1), R Burns (0-7), Padraig Matthews. Subs: R Taaffe (1-2) for Padraig Matthews, David Fedigan for Patrick Matthews.

Ref - N Ward (Westmeath) Tweet

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