Oisins GAA Manchester delivered a devastating second half performance at Old Bedians against St Lawrence's on Sunday 8th October 2006 to record a thoroughly deserved win 0-17 to 2-5. In doing so the Manchester team bridged a four-year gap to reclaim the Senior Lancashire title and make up in part for their previous years defeats in Lancashire Senior Finals. This was very much a game off two halves with Lawrence's dominating the first whilst Oisins the second . Off the two sides Lawrence's began the brighter and after Coll latched onto a clever ball over the top from Coulton he wasted no time in dispatching it brilliantly high into the net. Oisins responded with a clever point from McGonagle but the Oisins fullback line of Brewster, McCrory and O' Connor were in serious difficulties with Coulton and Byrne seemingly running riot. Oisins had opportunities to hall back Lawrence's but their main malfunction was Teague's usually reliable dead-balling kicking. Oisins were in difficulties again soon after as McGoldrick slipped his marker for another point and when Brewster was harshly penalised for over carrying, the resulting free meant another score for Lawrence's. Donnelly and Hackett settled Oisins nerves with well taken scores after unselfish build-up play by Rafferty. However Oisins apparent revival was short lived as Coulton beat the Oisins full-back line with apparent ease and slotted the ball past the advancing O 'Boyle. Lawrence's appeared to have a strict game plan and were sticking to it. In doing so they were rattling Oisins and with their uninhibited running and snappy passing. It took a huge point from all of 50 yards by halfback Breslin, under pressure by McGoldrick to give Oisins a much-needed wake up call. The resulting kick-out was won by Harkin and after great defensive work by the Lawerences duo O' Donaghue and O' Grady , Barrett converted the resulting 50. McNamee then put through McGonagle and when the Antrim man was pulled down, Rafferty converted the resulting free to keep Oisins within touching distance of Lawerences 2-4 to 0-5 at half time. As the second half began Oisins appeared to be a transformed team, they controlled proceedings from the outset, although early on they could not convert their plentiful possession into scores. Donnelly again contributed an excellent score and with Teague finally able to shake his marker Oisins were in the ascendancy. Oisins breakthrough came when Teague scored three points in quick succession to put the Didsbury team ahead for the first time. With McCrory, Brewster and O 'Connor transformed at full-back and Messers Hanvey, McNamee and Barrett not only sweeping up imperiously across mid-field but repeatedly breaking forward to instigate more attacks, St Lawrence's were on the back foot. Mullan and Cunningham were at last becoming more involved and Oisins were able to supply the hungry trio of McGonagle, Teague and Rafferty who obliged with several points. These scores meant that Oisins were no longer chasing the match and Lawrence's had to readjust from trying to protect a five-point lead to chasing the lead themselves. With the introduction of Hanna and Flemming this was a true team effort with the front six working as hard to close down opponents as their backs. To Lawrence's credit they continued to hunt frantically for scores but lacked the killer instinct that had been clearly evident in their first half performance. However Colton, O'Gady and Aherns unwillingness to accept defeat ensured the match was still alive entering its final quarter. But the momentum was with Oisins and they showed no mercy in driving home their advantage with further scores of Teague, Rafferty, Donnelly and McGonagle. As the referee signalled for full-time Oisins were at last able to celebrate the long waited result and keep hopes of progression in the All-Britain's alive. Complacency is now Oisins biggest threat although Manager Peter Scanlon will be reminding his players that their next outing is a All-Britain Quarter final this coming Sunday 15th October away to Young Irelanders. Oisins training continues each Tuesday and Thursday 6.45 sharp at Old Bedians, Millgate Lane, Didsbury. For further details email [email protected] or call Paul Brady on 0777 461 3818.