Laune Rangers B returned home this weekend following two away fixtures with mixed results. However, they faced a stern challenge as they took on an in-form Dr Crokes B side, who had won all their games to date. The weather conditions contrasted sharply with last weekend’s sunshine—this time featuring a swirling breeze and heavy showers.
Cian O’Shea got the scoreboard ticking for Laune Rangers with a well-taken free, but Dr Crokes quickly responded with a point from play. The visitors then launched a dangerous attack, threatening the Laune Rangers goal twice in quick succession. Adam Carey denied the first effort with a fine stop, followed by James Treacy getting a crucial touch to the second attempt and clearing the danger.
Rangers responded strongly, adding three points from play through O’Shea, Adam Owens, and John Burke, making a welcome return from injury. Dr Crokes kept themselves in touch with two points from frees.
Half-time: Laune Rangers B 0-5, Dr Crokes B 0-3
Dr Crokes started the second half brightly, scoring two unanswered points from play to level the game. Darragh Clifford edged Rangers ahead again with a point from play, followed soon after by a well-struck free.
However, the momentum began to shift in favour of Dr Crokes. Their increased intensity in tackling and pressure paid off as they scored a point from play, won a free, and capitalised with a crucial goal—marking their first lead of the game. Jack O’Sullivan then added another point as Crokes seized control. Shortly after, Laune Rangers conceded a second goal, with Crokes racking up an impressive 2-1 in just four minutes.
Seán O’Donnell offered a glimmer of hope with a surging run and a fine point from play. But Dr Crokes weren’t done, and they kicked on to score four points in succession—two from Cillian Courtney and one from Liam Kelleher.
Final Score: Laune Rangers B 0-8, Dr Crokes B 2-11
Despite a solid first-half performance, Laune Rangers B were ultimately overpowered in the second half by a clinical and determined Dr Crokes B side.
Laune Rangers B – Adam Carey, Matt Spillane, James Treacy, Sean O’Donnell (0-1), Cillian Foley, Rory O’Connor, Daragh O’Connor, Tom Garry, Gavin O’Shea (c),Jack Healy, John Burke (-1), Darragh Clifford (0-2, 1f), Adam Owens (0-1), Colm O’Shea, Cian O’Shea(0-3 1f), Conor Buckley, Cillian Buckley, Seanie Diggin, Andrew Owens, Eoin Evans, Morgan O’Sullivan, Eoghan Joy, Cathal Moroney, Liam Croke, Darragh Evans
Dr Crokes B – Kacper Robek, Cillian Hickey, Paddy Foley, Sean Coppinger, Aaron murphy, Mark Sheehan, Erin Moloney, Jack O Sullivan, Cian Mulcahy, Brendan Coppinger, Dara o Shea, Liam Kelleher, Cian O Neill ©, Brendan Falvey, Cillian Courtney, Liam Hennigan, James Kelly, Godwin Osieba, Jack Lynch, Aodhan Burns, Jamie Doolan, Seanie Fitz, Harry Byrne