Seniors v Ballina – Match Report
Davitts 0-12
Ballina 1-09
Davitts, while picking up their first Div 1A league point in sunny Ballindine on Saturday evening, will be disappointed at not getting the two, as Ballina Stephenites corner forward Sean Regan equalised from a free with the last kick of this entertaining game. Davitts made all the running and led by 0-8 to 0-6 at halftime with Tommy Nolan, Colm Boyle, Michael Waldron, Ronan McNamara, Josh Ronayne and man of the match Paul Carey in flying form. Ballina were keeping in touch and two late frees from the impressive Sean Regan left just two points between the sides at the break. Brian Ruane, Ger Cafferkey, Eanna Casey and Paul McGarry were doing their best to keep their side in touch.
Davitts extended their lead to four points with superb scores from Carey and Fearghal McGrath but Eanna Casey pegged one back for the visitors in the 13th minute of the second half. A tremdendous Colm Boyle point put the homeside four points in front again in the 20th minute but a goal from substitute Diarmuid Farrell threw the game wide open with eight minutes remaining. Regan equalised but an inspirational Paul Carey point put Davitts in front again with time running out. Colm Boyle scored what looked like the insurance point but amazingly the umpire flagged it wide, the only man in the ground that thought so, and Ballina got the equaliser in the 4th minute of stoppage time with another Sean Regan free kick.
Ballina will know that they were very lucky to get a point out of this game but they are a strong direct side and will be very much in contention when the league and championship reach their concluding stages.
Davitts meanwhile will take encouragement from picking up their first league point but will also know that this was a game they should have won.
Davitts team: Mark Diskin, Colm Roche, Tommy Nolan, Michael Ronayne, Michael Waldron, Colm Boyle (0-1), James Cummins, Ronan McNamara (0-2), Keith Prendergast, Paul Carey (0-3), Josh Ronayne (0-1), Liam Kearns, Aidan McTigue, Fearghal McGrath (0-1), Michael Conroy (0-4). Subs used: Kevin Gallagher, Pat Coyne, Carlos O Gara, Andrew Peters.
Ballina: David Clarke, Brian Ruane, Ger Cafferkey, Thomas Doherty, Stephen Mullin, Colm Leonard, Aidan Tigue, Austin O Toole, Alex Corduff, Eanna Casey (0-1), Kieran Sweeney (0-1), Ger Brady, Lorcan Healy (0-1), Paul McGarry (0-2), Sean Regan (0-4). Subs used: Niall Doherty, Diarmuid Farrell (1-0), Leroy Nevin.
