Laune Rangers 0-11, Austin Stacks 0-18
Laune Rangers exited the Ask Acorn County Under 21 Championship at the first round on Thursday evening to reigning champions Austin Stacks.
The Austin Stacks teams proved too strong for Rangers on the day, with a number of players that have worn the Kerry jersey including seven of this year’s County Under 20 squad. In contrast, Laune Rangers were vastly understrength, missing a host of players due to injury and exam commitments.
Austin Stacks were sharper from the throw-in and led from start to finish beginning with three quick points, including a fine score from Ryan O’Driscoll. Laune Rangers replied with efforts from Darragh O’Grady – one from a 45 – and Stephen Gannon, but Stacks continued to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Daniel Kirby and Ronan Carroll were central to their dominance in the first half. By the break, Stacks had built a six-point cushion. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-4, Austin Stacks 0-10.
Laune Rangers made changes in an effort to get back into the game, with Shane Clifford and James Jones introduced early in the second half following the introduction of Charlie O’Sullivan late in the first. However, it was Austin Stacks who struck first after the restart through a free from Donnacha Sayers.
Austin Stacks’ attacking pressure continued with points from O’Driscoll, Kirby and Lane stretching their lead further. Laune Rangers, to their credit, never gave up and started to find some rhythm midway through the second half. Adam O’Neill came into the game with three points from play, while Gannon continued to threaten, adding two more to his tally.
Darragh Clifford also chipped in with a point, but the Killorglin side were always chasing the game. Despite a much-improved second half showing from Laune Rangers, the visitors were never likely to lose the game and will be hot favourites to retain their title.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-11, Austin Stacks 0-18.
Laune Rangers:- Adam Carey, Aaron Doyle, Ryan Diggin (capt), Killian Spillane, Ciarán O’Sullivan, Cillian Foley, Joe O’Neill, Tom Garry, Patryk Radny (0-1), Adam O’Neill (0-4, 1f), Darragh Clifford (0-1), Jack O’Sullivan, Adam Owens, Darragh O’Grady (0-2, 1f, 1 ’45), Stephen Gannon (0-3). Subs: Charlie O’Sullivan for Foley, Shane Clifford for J O’Neill, James Jones for T Garry, Alex Garry for Radny, Rian O’Sullivan for Owens.