An impressive first-half performance helped Ballinlough defeat Bordsmill to capture the Under-14 Division 6 Championship in Sean Newman Park, Bohermeen on Friday evening.
Ballinlough……………..7-11 Bordsmill……………….2-4
Ballinlough reached the final courtesy of a hard fought semi-final victory over league champions Nobber and a tough final test was anticipated against a Bordsmill side who had disposed of Dunderry in the other semi-final. However, Ballinlough played their best football of the year in the first-half, leaving their opponents with a mountain to climb at half-time. Powered by the performance of attacking half-backs; Matthew Farrell and Kevin Beirne and midfielder Ricky Mc Dermott they established a 5-7 to 0-2 lead at the interval.
Bordsmill dug deep and showed tremendous spirit as they attempted to launch a second-half recovery. They got a couple of early goals, but hopes of a comeback faded when Ballinlough goalkeeper Lorcan Gibney pulled off a penalty save midway through the half. Shortly afterwards Oliver Brady finished off a strong run with a long range point as Ballinlough tagged on a couple of late scores to round off an impressive victory. It was an accomplished team performance, to which all players and substitutes contributed.
Afterwards, Vice-Chairperson of the Meath Juvenile Football Committee John Kavanagh presented the cup to Ballinlough captain Johnny Reilly.
Ballinlough: L Gibney, J Reilly, C Clinton, K Mc Caffrey, K Beirne, M Farrell, R Mc Dermott, O Brady, J Farrelly, B Brady, S Smith, M Mc Enerney, A Lang. Subs: D O’ Reilly for Lang, J Francis Mongomery for S Smith, J Lydon for Clinton, D Francis Mongomery for Farrelly and D Mc Cullen for Mc Caffrey.