Rhode survive stern Gracefield test

Champions Rhode survived a stern test from Gracefield in a thrilling Offaly senior football championship clash at O’Connor Park, Tullamore last night (2-16 to 3-12).

A first half goal from Ruairí Allen set Gracefield on their way and they enjoyed a deserved 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead. Paul McPadden levelled matters with a well taken strike early in the second half and the county U21 forward gave Rhode a commanding 2-12 to 1-9 lead with 15 minutes to go when he raised his second green flag.

With Niall Smith and Ciarán Kiely in control of the midfield battle, Gracefield’s dominance of the battle for primary possession allowed them to stay in contention and a goal from veteran Karol Slattery gave them a lifeline. Niall McNamee appeared to make the game safe with a late score, but a dubious penalty decision allowed Stephen Flanagan to reduce the deficit to the minimum with the last action of the tie.

McNamee (0-6), McPadden (2-1) and Niall Darby (0-4) combined to ensure that the Rhode full forward line ended the game with 2-11 between them.

Rhode’s neighbours and 2011 champions Edenderry also recorded a good win, though St Rynagh’s battled for a lot longer than was expected in the second game of the Sunday double header.

Ger Scales (St Rynagh’s) and Dean Cummins (Edenderry) exchanged goals in the first half to leave the sides level on 1-6 apiece

It wasn’t until the 50th minute when Cummins registered his second major that the Reds looked safe. They tacked on seven points in the last 10 minutes to run out easy 2-15 to 1-7 winners.

Ferbane won the most crucial tie of the weekend when they triumphed 1-11 to 0-7 over Walsh Island in their group fixture at Durrow. The loser of this tie was almost certain to be eliminated and after Ferbane shot seven wides in the first half with the wind, they looked to be in big trouble, tied at 0-4 each. However they were rescued by their teenage contingent,particularly substitute Joe Maher who produced a crucial goal and wing forward Brian Grehan who kicked three vital scores.

Tubber produced the shock of the round when they recorded a fully deserved 1-10 to 0-6 win over Tullamore at Clara on Friday evening and they now have a great chance to rescue a place in the quarter-finals despite losing their first three games. Paul McConway and Ciarán McManus fought it out on the edge of the Tullamore square for the first quarter but as soon as McManus moved out the field he took control of the tie, kicking a string of fine points and setting up their all important goal.

In the final game of the round Clara narrowly came through a tense battle with neighbours Ballycumber and while they never trailed by more than a point, their final tally of 12 wides almost cost them their top spot in group one. The 2009 champions eventually recorded the final two scores to sneak an 0-9 to 0-7 win.