Minors v Belmullet – League Div 2 semi-final – Match Report
Davitts qualified for the County Div 2 League Final after a superb 2-14 to 1-10 victory over Belmullet in Ballindine on Friday evening. This was a game of sparkling football played in front of a large crowd in beautiful conditions and helped by a fine performance from the referee John Finn.
Belmullet appeared the stronger team for most of the first half but after 20 minutes the homeside struck for a crucial goal. A move initiated by the excellent Dylan Keadin, involving Thomas Waldron, Liam Noone and Michael Clarke was finished to the net by Evan Ronayne. This gave Davitts the lead for the first time in the game, a lead they never relinquished. At halftime Davitts led by 1-6 to 0-8. The point scorers in that half were Liam Noone (2), who had to retire injured before the break, Evan Ronayne, Thomas Waldron (2) and Matthew Trench.
Davitts really took control of the game in the second half and driven on by Donal Ronayne, William Freeley, Padraig Mangan and the tireless Thomas Waldron, they began to dominate. Points from Trench (2), Waldron, Gerald Griffin, Michael Clarke and Evan Ronayne ensued before Matthew Trench scored a superb goal to put the homeside eight points clear. Belmullet replied with a goal from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining but two monster points from Clarke finished the game off in spectacular style.
This was a fantastic team performance from Davitts but all credit to the Belmullet team for their contribution to a very entertaining game.
Davitts: Micheal Mangan, Dylan Keadin, Donal Ronayne, John Huane, Jack Rodgers, Padraig Mangan, Seanie Bourke, Cathal Hennelly, William Freeley, Matthew Trench (1-3), Liam Noone (0-2), Evan Ronayne (1-2), Michael Clarke (0-3), Thomas Waldron (0-3), Gerald Griffin (0-1). Subs used: Patrick Keadin, Richie O Connor.
