Goal hungry Bal' sink Maryland to secure second victory

Ballynacargy 4-12, Maryland 2-10

Paul Doolin

The old maxim of goals win games was never more pronounced than in Rochfortbridge on Saturday evening last, in the second of the double-header. Ballynacargy backed up their goal scoring spree of the opening night against Milltownpass with four majors that saw them win handsomely against a Maryland side far too dependent on county star, Kieran Martin.

That being said, Maryland were well in this game entering the final quarter and actually led by two points at that juncture, but the introduction of Luke Price and the masterful finishing of Troy Maher and Jack Penrose when the game was in the melting pot was enough to see Bal' home. In the end they had a bit to spare as Maryland faded badly and in truth gave up the ghost rather easily.

In their centenary year, the Blue and Golds have really upset the odds and pre-season predictions with some aplomb and are now looking at a quarter-final place, while for Maryland it's possibly back to battling at the other end of the table to remain in the intermediate ranks.

With wind advantage Bal' started like a whirlwind and Troy Maher fisted to the net after a '45' from Phillip Price was not dealt with by a static Maryland defence. Jack Doran and Conor Byrne added points for a substantial early advantage. Kieran Martin then kicked two frees and a majestic point from play to get Maryland back in the game, but it was merely temporary respite as Price, from a free, and then from almost another parish from play, kept the Drumraney men at bay.

Martin added another placed ball in his almost one-man crusade, but the impressive Byrne kicked a beauty with the outside of the boot. Shortly afterwards, Troy Maher was hauled down in the square and Jack Doran netted the resultant penalty brilliantly as Bal' were completely dominant. Martin pointed another free to finish the half as Maryland’s only scorer, but Byrne negated that with another super point for Ballynacargy and they led handsomely by 2-6 to 0-5 at the short whistle.

Whatever was in the half-time refreshments certainly worked the oracle for Maryland as they came out a totally different side after the break, with Martin adding another free to his tally and Donal Hogan and Keith Malynn getting white flags. When a kick-out went astray for Bal', Callum McCormack pounced and shipped to Martin who fisted to an empty net and now it was a single score dividing the teams. Bal' tried to regain composure but Maryland had the bit between the teeth now and a field-long move saw McCormack find Donal Hogan this time and it was goal number two. It ensured a two-point lead for Maryland as the third quarter came to a close.

Luke Price entered the fray for Ballynacargy at this stage and his presence was felt immediately as he steadied the ship and points from Dylan Keena, a pearler with the outside of the boot, Phillip Price, from a quick break, and Troy Maher from an acute angle saw them lead again. Callum McCormack levelled matters moments later and with ten minutes to go, the game was in the melting pot. Luke Price was controlling midfield at this stage and his long delivery found Maher, who caught, swivelled and shot a brilliant goal. It was followed by a wonderful point from Jamie Loran, but Martin replied with an equally super point for Maryland to keep them in the game.

It would, however be their last score as Conor Byrne added to his personal tally after a brilliant team move and then Jack Penrose sealed the deal with a superb goal, after he started and finished a move. And when Loran added a free there was no way back for Maryland as Bal' shut them down completely for a second win, and a worthy one too.

Scorers - Ballynacargy: Troy Maher 2-1, Jack Doran 1-1, Conor Byrne 0-4, Phillip Price 0-3 (1 free), Jack Penrose 1-0, Jamie Loran 0-2 (1 free), Dylan Keena 0-1. Maryland: Kieran Martin 1-6 (5 frees), Donal Hogan 1-1, Callum McCormack 0-2 (1 free), Keith Malynn 0-1.

Ballynacargy: Thomas Nally, Conor Keena, Timmy Mescall, John Keena, Mark Murphy, Callum Maher, Jack Doran, Jack Penrose, Tony Doran, Phillip Price, Conor Byrne, Wayne Kelly, Troy Maher, Dylan Keena, Jamie Loran. Sub: Luke Price for Kelly (37 mins).

Maryland; Eoin Moran, Conor Farrell, Darren Malynn, James Ganley, Liam Moran, Bryan O’Donoghue, Christy Hermbusche, Fintan McCormack, Donal Hogan, Ronan Aspell, William Reynolds, Cian Rainey, Keith Malynn, Callum McCormack, Kieran Martin. Subs: Joe Harte for Reynolds (59 mins), Callum Nugent for Rainey (62 mins).

Referee: Alan Coyne (CFCW).