Davitts U-16 team made the short journey to Claremorris for their opening match in Div 1 of the County League and defeated the home side by 2-11 to 0-8 after a stylish display.

Davitts playing with the advantage of the wind in the opening half and with Fenton Kelly and Fionan Gallagher in top form at midfield, built up a 1-9 to 0-3 lead at the break. Jack Devane (5), Jack Melvin (2), Mark Birmingham and Fenton Kelly the point scorers, while full forward Davey Hennessy supplied the goal, a simple finish after a very slick passing movement involving several players.

The teams traded points early in the second half, Fenton Kelly scoring for Davitts, before his midfield partner Fionan Gallagher blasted home a second goal for the visitors to kill off the Claremorris challenge.

Claremorris came back strongly but the Davitts defence, superbly marshalled by Micheal Hett and Thomas Ronayne, held firm and limited their attack to four points in the final twenty minutes. At the other end Davitts themselves only added a point to their tally in this period of the game, a classy effort from livewire Jack Devane, as his side held on for a satisfying win to open their campaign in the top flight.

Tristan Diskin was impressive in goals with Brian Birmingham, Brian Og McTigue, Cathal Corless and John Wallace following the lead from Micheal Hett and Thomas Ronayne to make life difficult for the Claremorris attack. Fenton Kelly (0-2), Fionan Gallagher (1-0) excelled at midfield. The Davitts attack displayed fantastic teamwork with Jack Devane (0-6), Bon Glynn, Jack Melvin (0-2), Davey Hennessy (1-0), Mark Birmingham (0-1) all working very hard throughout the game. The subs used, Ian Prendergast and Ryan Rattigan, played their part too in this game.

• By darraghmc
• In Match Reports