Mayo Senior League Division 2 (Saturday, 12th of May)

Lahardane........ 1-13
Ballyhaunis......... 1-07

Lahardane moved to the top of their Division after a six point victory over Ballyhaunis in this top of the table clash at the weekend, played in perfect conditions at Glenhest. However the winners did not have things all their own way as Ballyhaunis missed several chances particularly in the opening half.

Midfielder Michael Webb fired the visitors into the lead with a fine point in the opening minute. Lahardane responded well and fine scores from play from Vinny Cawley, James Gillespie and John Rowland along with two frees from the St. Jarlaths star forward Cormac Rowland put the homeside into a solid lead. Ballyhaunis had the greater share of possession at this stage but their finishing was poor, Derek Walsh pointed for the losers and a punched goal from Jason Morley, after a high centre from Brendan Rudden levelled matters. Lahardane again showed their fighting qualities and a splendid goal from Anthony McDermott, from an accurate through ball from Declan Leonard was followed by three superb points from play by the in form Cormac Rowland put Lahardane into a six point lead at the interval, 1-08 to 1-02.

The second was a lot scrappier, Lahardane got the better start and points from cousins Cormac and Brian Rowland put their side into a commanding eight point lead. Ballyhaunis did try to get back into the match with points by the former Mayo footballer Tony Morley and his midfield partner Michael Webb, however these were immediatally cancelled out with points by Cormac and John Rowland. Paul Prenty tacked on a few late frees for Ballyhaunis, but Lahardane ran out comfortable winners at the finish.

J.J. Leonard, Ray McDermott, John McDonnell and Brian Rowland were good in defence, Anthony McDermott was solid all through at midfield while up front Declan Leonard, Vinny Cawley and John and Cormac Rowland were in fine form.

Michael Webb at midfield was Ballyhaunis’s best player and he got good support from Peadar Walsh and Brendan Rudden in defence, the forwards missed many good scoring chances, however Chris McCrudden and Jason Morley played well.

Lahardane: A. McDonnell, M. Marley, J.J. Leonard, R. McDermott, J. McDonnell, D. Kelly, B. Rowland (0-1); A. McDermott(1-0); C. Barrett, V. Cawley (0-1); J. Rowland (0-2) J. Gillespie (0-1); D. Leonard, S. Blake, C. Rowland (0-8).
Subs.: G. Burke (for C. Barrett); T. Cawley (for S. Blake).

Ballyhaunis: K. Weinhart, M. Fee, D. Doyle, P. Mannion, P. Higgins, P. Walsh, B. Rudden, T. Morley(0-1); M. Webb (0-2); J. Bourke, J. Morley (1-0); M. Peterson, P. Prenty (0-4) D. Walsh (0-1); C. McCrudden.
Subs.: P. Nolan (for C. McCrudden)

Ref.: D. Barratt (Kiltane)