Abbeyknockmoy 2-10 Pearses 0-7: Despite a slow start in this Minor Championship game last Saturday in Ballymacward, Abbey made the most of the advantage of a strong first half wind to build a six point half-time lead. Even with the wind in the second half Pearses just couldn’t get going and a physically bigger Abbeyknockmoy side built on their advantage to finish nine point winners.
Against the wind, Pearses lead 0-2 to 0-0 after five minutes. The opening score from a Brian Sweeney free and the second a well worked point down the right wing, sent over by Eoghan Burke. Abbeyknockmoy didn’t score until the eleventh minute, clocking up five wides, but then they came good and hit the next seven scores. Sweeney responded for Pearses just before the break, to leave it 1-6 to 0-3 at half-time.
Sweeney again opened the scoring in the second half and it was hoped Pearses would eat into the Abbey lead, with the wind at their backs. The teams shared a point apiece before a torrential downpour made conditions very difficult for both. When it cleared Abbeyknockmoy scrambled a goal, which would be the killer blow. Pearses just couldn’t find a way through for a much needed goal and Abbeyknockmoy ran out comfortable winners.
Pearses had a bye in Round 1, so this was Round 2. Next up is Michael Cusacks (Beagh-Kilbeacanty), then Cois Fharraige and Cappataggle. The Top two teams in the group qualify for knockout stages.
Pearses: K Connell; T Carr, S Murray, R Flannery; D Byrnes, R O’Neill, R Carr; L Murphy, C O’Neill; D Grady, B Sweeney (0-6), E Burke (0-1); D Healy, M Ruane, D Masterson. Sub: D Geraghty.