Claremorris 2-11  Davitts 0-16

Claremorris edged this very exciting Mayo Senior Championship first round tie played in Claremorris on Saturday. After playing second fiddle for most of the game, a strong final quarter display saw them see off a gallant Davitts side who made a mockery of their Division 3 league form.

A second minute point from Niall Treacy opened the scoring for Davitts, playing with the assistance of the wind in the first half. Claremorris capitalised on a defensive error a minute later to score a goal, finished by Ger Commins but made by the excellent Conor Diskin.  Davitts composed themselves well and shot two points from the very impressive Ronayne brothers Jack and Josh in the 4^th and 8^th minutes. The homeside hit points in the 11^th and 12^th minutes but Davitts points from Niall Treacy and Jack Ronayne left the sides level at the first water break.

Claremorris took the lead with a 17^th minute point but Davitts points from Darragh McGale and Josh Ronayne saw their side regain the lead. Claremorris equalised in the 21^st minute but Davitts, now playing some great football, hit points from Jack Ronayne, Ronan McNamara, Evan Ronane and Josh Ronayne to go four clear before Claremorris shot the last score of the half to leave Davitts ahead by 0-11 to 1-5 at the break.

The second half started with a Claremorris goal, a brilliant effort from Conor Diskin, after 20 seconds. A Josh Ronayne point three minutes later put Davitts ahead again and Jack Ronayne extended the lead to two points in the 37^th minute.  Claremorris fought back with two points to tie the game again but Jack Ronayne edged Davitts in front just before the second water break.

Claremorris began to get control of the middle of the field and they shot an equalising point in the 51^st minute and another two minutes later to regain the lead. Davitts captain Josh Ronayne put his side back level in the 58^th minute but David Gannon, who had a great game for the homeside, fired over the winning score in the second minute of stoppage time to win the game for Claremorris.

While the defeat is very disappointing for Davitts, they will take great encouragement from the game, having played very well for most of the hour. The youngsters in the team were very impressive while the overall teamwork and workrate was admirable and bodes well for the future. Next up is a home tie against Ballintubber next Sunday.

Davitts: Keith Prendergast, Charlie Phillips, Cathal Higgins, Tom Corless, Thomas Ronayne, Tommy Waldron, Dmitry Trench, Ronan McNamara (0-1), Colm Boyle, Josh Ronayne (0-6), Jack Ronayne (0-5), Fenton Kelly, Niall Treacy (0-2), Darragh McGale (0-1), Evan Ronane (0-1). Subs used: Shane Treacy, Patrick Keadin, Johnno Clarke, Jack Trench.