Argideen Rangers gun down spirited Rockies
When Blackrock played with a strong wind in the opening period, and went in level at the break, they looked in real trouble but they really upped the tempo in the second-half and with a bit of luck could have divided the spoils.
Most of the scores in the opening period came from placed balls, in particular Enda Kiely who was lethal for Blackrock, one point in particular from at least 80 metres being a real gem.
In the opening period both half-back lines were on top. Ger Murphy, Stephen O’Keeffe and Richard Curtin were outstanding for Blackrock in defence, while Dan Connolly, Declan Crowley and Noel Ryan rarely put a foot wrong for Arigdeen Rangers.
Blackrock made the early running and were 1-3 to 0-2 ahead after 18 minutes, the goal coming from a close in free by Enda Kiely in the 16th minute. However, Arigdeen Rangers fought back and, following a melee near the Blackrock goal Michael O’Rourke availed of the chance to kick the ball past the advancing keeper, Frankie Barry. After the resumption both sides swapped points but two goals in the space of two minutes between the 40th and 42nd minute put the winners in the driving seat. A Michael O’Callaghan effort was saved by the Blacrock keeper, only for Michael O’Rourke to bat the rebound home, and then Micky Walsh connected to a long range effort from Tony Crowley, which bounced kindly, to give Frankie Barry no chance.
Blackrock introduced Joe Young for Shane Waters in the 37th minute and he made his presence felt in the 43rd and 45th minutes. His first effort was saved by Noel Coomey only for Ian Walsh to hit the rebound home and he then caught a dropping ball to billow the net. When Walsh added a further point Blackrock were back in it 2-10 to 3-8. However, Argideen Rangers fought back to add a further two points to give them a goal lead going into the last five minutes and they held on for a worthy win.
Scorers: Argideen Rangers: M. O’Rourke 2-1 (1-0 free), S. O’Mahony 0-5 (0-2 free 0-1 "65"), M. Walsh 1-3, M. O’Callaghan 0-1, T. Crowley 0-1. Blackrock. E. Kiely 1-6 (1-4 frees, 0-1 "65), I. Walsh 0-4, J. Young 1-0, K. O’Connell 0-1.
ARGIDEEN RANGERS. N. Coomey; D. Crowley, M. Deasy, J. Deasy; J. Murphy, D. Crowley, N. Ryan; M. Harte, T. Crowley; M. O’Callaghan, J. Leen, S. O’Mahony; M. O’Rourke, M. Walsh (capt), B. Harte.
BLACKROCK:. F. Barry (capt); G. Murphy, D. Dempsey, L. Guinan; R. Curtin, S. O’Keeffe, T. J. Coughlan; I. Walsh, S. Waters; A. Ryan, E. Kiely, C. Murphy; P. O’Sullivan, C. O’Flaherty, K. O’Connell. Subs. T. Cormack for C. O’Flaherty (24th minute), J. Young for S. Waters (37th minute), K. Riordan for D. Dempsey (52nd minute).
Referee. A. Cummins (Ballymartle).
