7 Apr 2013
Cushendall slipped to a disappointing defeat to a determined and disciplined Ballycran side in the second round of The Antrim League. Playing into a strong breeze Ruairi Og got the first score of the game, a point from the right wing by Shane Mc Naughton. Ballycran however started to spread the play and they registered three points in a row by the 10th minute. Karl Mc Keegan converted a free to leave just a point between the teams but Ballycran were hurling well and they punished the Dall defence with two further points: one from Conor Woods and one from James Coyle. Karl Mc Keegan tapped over his second point of the game but Ballycran again upped the ante with two further points and a goal direct from a 65’. With 9 minutes to go in the half Ballycran cracked home another goal which put them 9 points in front and looking out of sight. In the closing stages Karl Mc Keegan and Eoghan Campbell both registered points from play for Ruairi Og to leave the scores at the break Ballycran 2-6 Ruairi Og 0-5.
Cushendall came out all guns blazing at the beginning of the second half, in the opening 15 minutes they dominated the game thanks to great work at the back from Aaron Graffin and Neil Mc Manus. Up front Karl Mc Keegan and Shane Mc Naughton were looking impressive and with 4 points from Karl and 3 from Shane Ruairi Og drew level. Most spectators expected Cushendall to go on and win the game but Ballycran dug deep. James Coyle converted two frees and that man Conor Woods tagged on two excellent scores from play. Cushendall knew that time was running out and they needed a goal - however they had to be content with two pointed frees from Karl Mc Keegan and at the other end it was Coyle who got the final score when he pointed a free from 30 yards to leave the final score Ballycran 2-11 Ruairi Og 0-14.
How they played: It was a disappointing performance from Ruairi Og: on several occasions in the second half they landed the ball into the Ballycran goalkeeper's hand when a score looked on. Neil Mc Manus and Eoghan Campbell both tried hard and up front Karl Mc Keegan and Shane Mc Naughton shared the bulk of the scores but my man of the match was captain Aaron Graffin who played superbly throughout and gave an excellent display at full back.
Team: 1. E Gillan 2. M Burke 3. A Graffin(capt) 4. S Delargy 5. P Burke 6. N Mc Manus 7. D Mc Naughton 8. J Mc Manus 9. E Campbell(0-1) 10. M Donaghy 11. K Mc Keegan(0-9) 12. C Carson 13. A Mc Naughton 14. P Mc Gill 15. S Mc Naughton(0-4)
Subs used: R Mc Cambridge, D Kearney, D Kinney.