Ruairi Og got their second victory on the bounce with a gritty win over Belfast side St. Enda’s. Ruairi Og started brightly with a point from Jack Mc Allister. This was quickly followed by another point from a free by Colin Mc Keegan. A superb move involving Colin Mc Keegan and Daniel Duczkowski set up Neil Darragh and he made no mistake finishing high into the Enda’s net. This seemed to stir St. Enda’s into action, a high ball into the Dall danger area was finished to the net. The Belfast side then converted two frees to tie the game and then they hit the front. Their number twelve sent a shot from the 21 yard line through a group of players and past Colum Thompson and into the net. As the half drew to a close Colin Mc Keegan converted a free for Cushendall to leave the score at half time St. Enda’s 2-2 Ruairi Og 1-4.

Cushendall came out all guns blazing in the second half, “Jasper” Mc Auley and “Junior” Mc Killop took a firm grip around the half back line and this proved a springboard for Ruairi Og. In determined fashion they clawed their way back into the game. Chris Mc Grath fired over an excellent point from the right wing but this was cancelled out by St. Enda’s. Neil Darragh then set off on a run and fired over from 30 yards. St. Enda’s again replied to leave the score 2-4 to 1-6 but this would prove to be the Belfast sides final score of the game with stout defending from Conal Scullion, Jimmy Mooney and Ciaran O’ Boyle keeping them at bay. At the other end Dermot Mc Convery played a great pass to Colin Mc Keegan who buried the ball in the back of the Enda’s net to put Cushendall in front and with five minutes to go Chris Mc Grath broke a high ball in front of Jack Mc Allister who pulled first time for a Dall goal. When referee Mark O’ Neill blew his whistle it was Cushendall who emerged victorious 3-6 to 2-4.

 

How they played: The entire Cushendall defence put in a strong shift with Junior Mc Killop bringing back memories of his hayday. Conal Scullion and Ciaran O’ Boyle were also excellent. Dermot Mc Convery worked hard at midfield and up front Colin Mc Keegan and Jack Mc Allister were always a threat but my man of the match goes to James Mc Auley who gave a sensational performace, particularly in the second half. He cleared a number of balls and was always there in support of his team mates.

 

Team: 1. Colum Thompson 2. Ciaran O’ Boyle 3. Jimmy Mooney 4. Conal Scullion 5. Chris Mc Grath 6. James Mc Auley 7. Connel Trainor 8. Eamon Mc Auley 9. Dermot Mc Convery 10. Ronan Delargy 11. Colin Mc Keegan 12. Junior Mc Killop 13. Neil Darragh 14. Daniel Duczkowski 15. Jack Mc Allister

 

Subs used: Dan Delargy, Johnny Mc Keegan