North Mayo U-21 Championship (Sunday 14-Dec-97)

Rowland in top form

Lahardane...............1-7
Belmullet...............0-7

This low scoring game owed an equal share of the blame to soft footing and bad handling. Declan Leonard, fresh from a Under-21 challenge in Cork, the day before, opened the scoring and was quickly followed by the decisive score. A speculative shot from Brian Rowland was fumbled behind the line in the glaring sun. A quick free found James Gillespie, who drilled the ball over the bar.

Two Cormac Rowland frees either side of half time gave Lahardane a 1-5 to nil lead over the home side. The Belmullet revival started and were really rampant over the final third of the game, notching up six unanswered points to come within two points of the reigning County 'B' champions.

Some great ball winning by Mervyn Marley and Damien Kelly, who in turn fed the ball up to the forwards through Anthony and Ray McDermott - relieved the pressure at crucial stages. The three point cushion was restored when the hard working John Rowland found the target showing the form which finds him with the Mayo U-21's. Lahardane now play host to Kiltane in the semi-final on Sunday next.

Lahardane: S. Jordan, A. Marley, D, Kelly, D. Sheridan, M. Marley, A. McDermott, R. McDermott, S. Blake, J. Gillespie (0-1); B. Rowland (1-1); J. Rowland (0-1); V. Cawley, C. Rowland (0-3); D. Leonard (0-1); K. Burke. Subs.: D. Watters (for Leonard); T. Marley (for K. Burke).

Referee: R. Cosgrove (Kiltane)