Ballymackey 'B' 4 - Rearcross 'B' 1
Rearcross travelled to Ballinree to play in their opening encounter of the division 3 League. With good early exchanges it was Rearcross that scored first, stifling the freshly crowned Division 3 Shield winners. The goal came as a result of some good play down the right hand side between Tommy Lyons, Joey Nolan and Shane Lenihan, who in turn sought out Andy Ryan in the centre, who decisively notched up his first Rearcross goal. Ballymackey retaliated, and returned the force upon Rearcross in a period that earned them 6 corners over a similar amount of minutes. Eventually, after stifling a Rearcross surge, Ballymackey were rewarded with a penalty, which took a second attempt to register. This left the sides level as they entered the half time break. The contrasting style between both teams was clearly evident as each tried to gain the upper hand. Physically Ballymackey imposed themselves more effectively over the youthful Rearcross team and for their dominant pressure, Ballymackey were rewarded with two further goals early in the second half. A fourth goal for Ballymackey in the 80th minute secured the three points. A strong finish to the game by Rearcross, especially in a spell of repetitive corner taking, this time upon the Ballymackey goal failed to change the outcome. The Ballymackey goals scored by Martin Flynn (2) Rory Mounsey and Conor O’Meara had sealed this midweek contest; it finished Ballymackey B 4, Rearcross B 1.
Rearcross 'B': Darragh Ryan, Theo English, Liam Nolan (B), William Mackey (capt), Paul Ryan, Tommy Lyons, Andy Ryan, James Deegan, Gary O’Brien, Joey Nolan, Shane Lenihan.
Subs: Paul McGrath (63), Harry Williams(63), Shane Quigley(80), Eoin Armshaw, Darren Quigley.
Referee: Martin Goldsboro
Report compiled by Liam Nolan(C)