Home comfort as Ballyhegan wrap up derby success for league boost

The visitors sparked off the scoring but Ballyhegan’s response featured a Conor Loughran score to cap Paul Nixon’s positive play.

Jack Rafferty posted two quickfire points, the second at the end of slick approach play involving four Ballyhegan players.

A tally of 1-2 without reply before the break left Conal McKeever with a goal - thanks to quick reactions to convert when Paul Nixon’s effort bounced off the post and Rory McKeever provided an assist - then James McKeever made his mark.

Conal McKeever left Ballyhegan in control by 1-5 to 0-2 at half-time.

Collegeland hit back across the early stages of the second half but Ballyhegan’s response featured points by Mark Hughes and Paddy Marley between the visitors’ scoring run.

James McKeever doubled his personal tally, with Mel Courtney and Daniel McKeever working hard to protect the home advantage until a black card for Johnny McKeever and Collegeland penalty.

Tiernan Power came close to an instant impact with a penalty save as Johnny McKeever’s replacement but Collegeland cut the gap to two points.

Thomas Reynolds battled back into position to produce a key block then a swift break led to Rory McKeever steering over a closing home point.

Ballyhegan had to survive a late Collegeland effort bouncing off the post before wrapping up success.

ANNAGHMORE

Annaghmore suffered a first defeat of the league campaign with a four-point reverse against Forkhill.

Two points inside as many minutes handed Forkhill the upper hand but Annaghmore responded thanks to Oisin MacIomhair and Ciaran MacIomhair to restrict the impact from Forkhill’s slick start.

The scoring continued at pace as both sides added to the scoreboard, with Matthew McNeice’s long-range free one away highlight before another Oisin MacIomhair contribution.

Connor Cullen cut the gap to three points after the interval and Oisin MacIomhair was also on target then Forkhill found the net towards a significant advantage.

Oisin MacIomhair and John McCormack wrapped up the Annaghmore scoring in the reverse by 1-11 to 0-10.

In club news, Irish Dancing sessions will run each Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30 to 8 o’clock.

The lotto numbers are 2, 7, 14 and 23 - with Andrew McCormack, Nathan McGilly and Dwayne Quinn the winners.

A club festival in aid of the St John’s Eglish (1) Primary School and Apple Blossom Playgroup has been planned for Saturday, June 25.

Any outstanding membership issues can be resolved by making contact with 07748787338.

Also, anyone interested in joining the Annaghmore events committee should make contact with a club official.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY - (under 12.5, 4 o’clock start): Maghery v Eire Og, Tir na nOg v St Peter’s, Granemore v Ballyhegan.

SUNDAY - (under 16, 6.15 start): St Paul’s v Maghery; (under 14, 6.15 start): Ballyhegan v St Peter’s, Pearse Og v Tir na nOg.

RESULTS

UNDER 16s: Tir na nOg 4-8 Silverbridge Harps 3-12; Maghery 3-10 St Enda’s 4-10; Sarsfields 8-7 Ballyhegan 9-9; Middletown 1-14 Naomh Eoins 7-6.

UNDER 14s: Sarsfields 4-13 Ballyhegan 2-12; Tir na nÓg 4-8 Tullysaran 5-7.

UNDER 18s: Ballyhegan 1-5 Maghery 3-10; Clan na Gael 4-7 Tir na nÓg 10-17.