John Mitchels 5-7, Laune Rangers Blue 5-22
A bright summer evening with a chill breeze greeted Laune Rangers on their visit to John Mitchels on Sunday evening, and they came away with a great win.
Rangers faced the stiff breeze for the first half but it hold them back because, from the get-go they were in control. An early point from Liam O’Connell was followed by a quick succession of points including those of Tomás Joy, Colm Evans and a great move by Jamie Flynn where he turned on a sixpence to point from a tight angle. A Bryan McKenna goal followed. Charlie Foley was a constant presence in all moves. Laune Rangers were dominant and led 1-6 to 0-1 by the first water break.
There was no sign of any let-up in the strength of Laune Rangers for the remainder of the first half. Captain Ciaran Birmingham, Hugh O’Sullivan and Pat Costello all played their part. Callum Robinson was unlucky that the bar denied him a goal. Points and scores were constant, particularly from Jamie Flynn and Tomás Joy while the backs staunchly did their bit, picking up a couple of yellows for their efforts. Half Time Score:- John Mitchels 1-4, Laune Rangers 3-10.
The second half was more of the same, but the Rangers found it harder to judge their passing when the wind was with them. However, their scoring was constant and had scored their 5th goal early in the half after quick goals from Jamie Flynn and Tomas Joy. Points became the key as Colm Evans stretched the lead further. The introduction of substitutes added a fresh dimension and all subs played their part with nicely taken points from Conor West and Donncha Prendiville. John Mitchel’s netted five times themselves, despite a heroic goal line clearance from Daniel Kelly after a save from Luke Carey, but victory for Laune Rangers was assured.
Full Time Score:- John Mitchels 5-7, Laune Rangers 5-22.
All starting forwards – along with two subs introduced – got on the scoresheet on the day in a great attacking performance. However, four long range points scored by midfielder Tomás Joy (2 left, 2 right) definitely led the highlight reel. The great attack stemmed from a super defensive effort as Ciarán Birmingham, Pat Costello backboned their teammates, while Charlie Foley stood out on the day with an excellent performance from wing back that was rewarded with a 2nd half point.
Laune Rangers Blue:- Luke Carey, Conor Sheehan, Pat Costello, Daniel Kelly, Charlie Foley (0-1), Ciarán Birmingham, Conor Murphy, Tomás Joy (1-7, 2f), Adam Radny, Callum Robertson (0-1), Colm Evans (0-4), Bryan McKenna (1-2), Jamie Flynn (2-2), Liam O’Connell (1-1), Hugh O’Sullivan (0-2f). Subs: Eugene Mulligan, Conor West (0-1), Donnacha Prendiville (0-1), Cormac Sweeney.