Laune Rangers 2-10, Austin Stacks Minors 3-9
By Tony Lyons
Laune Rangers hosted Austin Stacks at a sunny but cold afternoon on Saturday and it was the visitors who left with the points courtesy of their greater efficiency in attack particularly in the 2nd half.
With barely little breeze it took time for both teams to settle and it was Stacks who struck for an early point and quickly followed up with a deflected goal. Rangers finished the half stronger however with Darragh Clifford and John Horgan kicking 2 scores each and Seanie Diggin also getting in on the act to lead by 6 points to 1-2 at half time.
The second half started in Rangers’ favour with Darragh Clifford finishing brilliantly after being put through by Stephen Gannon and when James Jones kicked a super point Rangers were trying to head for home. However Stacks had other ideas and scored 2 goals in as many minutes. Stacks were all of a sudden 6 points ahead but credit to Rangers they carried the fight to the end and after substitute Rian Hogan was hauled to the ground, Clifford scored his second of the day with a low finish from the penalty spot. Despite the strong finish Stacks held on for their first 2 points of the campaign.
Ultimately Rangers will be disappointed with their second half particularly with the concession of those goals when in possession of the ball. Next round away to Kenmare next weekend. Best for Rangers were Shane Clifford, Patrick O Donnell when introduced, Stephen Gannon, Darragh Clifford and James Jones who worked tirelessly throughout.
Laune Rangers Blue:- Conor Buckley, Sean O’Donnell, Shane Clifford, Matthew Spillane, Gavin Mangan (0-1), Charlie O Sullivan, Niall T O’Brien, Eoin O Connell, Patryk Radny (0-1), James Jones (0-1), Stephen Gannon (0-1), John Horgan (0-2), Adam O’Neill, Darragh Clifford (2-3), Seán Diggin (0-1). Subs: Patrick O’Donnell, Ryan Carey, Rian Hogan, Andrew Owens, Cathal Moroney.