Clarinbridge made to work in taking local derby spoils

Clarinbridge   3-15

Ballinderreen   0-17

Patrick Flaherty at Pearse Stadium

AN aerial assault that resulted in two goals either side of half time proved decisive for Clarinbridge as they ran out impressive seven-point winners over neighbours Ballinderreen.

Sideline cuts from Mike Daly and Ian O’Brien resulted in goals for Mark Kennedy on 26 minutes and Cian Salmon on 47 minutes respectively and were pivotal in keeping them ahead in a hard-fought encounter, a third goal late on from Rian Ellis adding a little more gloss than deserved to their win.

As is the case in many derby games, the tie had a high intensity and ferocity from the off, the midfield sector proving the main battleground due to both teams’ ability to bag scores from long range and neither side wanting to give an inch on a rare calm afternoon at the seaside venue.

The battle started from the throw in with referee Alan Kelly needing to blow his whistle within the first 15 seconds of the encounter, the free going the way of Ballinderreen and Roy Lane who bagged the first of his impressive 11-point tally inside the opening minute.

Evan Niland was the championship’s top scorer last season and replied with a free of his own, before showcasing his talent by darting past two defenders and creating an early goal chance that was well saved by Michael Kelly.

Both teams were defending in packs, meaning quick play and an ability to create space out of nothing was key to success, Niland proving the best at this skill for his team by utilising his pace while, for Ballinderreen, it was Kieran Ryan coming to the fore, but by using his size to muscle his way into scoreable positions.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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