All County Football League Division 1
Rossa 0-8 Portglenone 1-16
Casements ended their losing spree in style with a comfortable 1.16 to 0.8 victory over Rossa at a sun-drenched Rossa Park. This was the tonic the country side needed taking into account their recent poor form and ever-growing injury list. They led from start to finish and although the gap was narrowed to 2 points at the half, they improved their scoring rate at the re-start to gain two valuable points.
The star of the game being Niall McKeever who scored the vital goal, but his mastery of mid-field and ‘the mark’ in particular propelled Casements at all times.
Within the first ten seconds a through pass from McKeever allowed corner forward Michael Hagan to open the scoring for Portglenone. Michael converted his first free eight minutes later to make it two before a quick response from Rossa’s Colum Fleming pulled one back. Piling on the pressure a sudden attack from Casements gifted Niall McKeever an excellent goal one minute later. With wind assistance Rossa clawed back vital scores to the break from full-forwards Colin Fleming (0.1) and half forward Declan Murphy (0.3). These scores were matched with further points from Michael Hagan and Ronan Kelly from Casements. However, it must be stated that both sides had many wides which seemed very scoreable.
Half-time 1.4 to 0.5 in favour of Casements
Casements began the second half in blistering style recording seven points without reply and in effect killing off the game, with points from Michael Hagan (0.2), Caolan Tierney (0.2), BJ Donnelly, Ronan Kelly and Niall McKeever. This trend continued with further scores from ace forward Michael Hagan (0.2), Ryan Convery and sub Gerard McAleese. Rossa earned three further points from frees in the second half from half-forward Sean Pat Donnelly.
Casements were well-served by Niall McKeever, Michael Hagan, Ryan Convery, Declan McErlean and Mark Graham. Rossa were disappointing on the day but forwards Declan Murphy and Sean Pat Donnelly kept them in touch.
Referee: Paul Hanna