Ulster Intermediate Club Football League
Section D-Round 1
Sarsfields 2-9 All Saints 3-10
Antrim rivals, Patrick Sarsfields and All Saints met in the opening round of this year’s Ulster league at Mallusk on Sunday. Both clubs fielded experimental sides as they prepare for the season ahead but still managed to serve up an entertaining and competitive encounter.
Things were slow to get going as both sides shook off the early season rust as they exchanged early points before Darach Bradley put All Saints in control with the game’s opening goal for the Ballymena side.
The Stewartstown Road side were giving as good as they got with their full-forward line providing plenty of problems for the visitors defence and their impressive number 14 kept them in touch with goals early and late in the opening half.
In between Benny McDonnell struck with a second goal for the Slemish Park side and Sean O’Callaghan and Joe Rafferty hit impressive points as All Saints began to get on top.
Despite playing into the breeze in the second half, All Saints began to gain the upper hand around mid-field through the experienced pair of Peter McNicholl and Emmet Killough.
Joe Rafferty and Ryan Thom were causing problems while running from deep in their own half with the towering Thom striking the Ballymena side’s third goal.
Ciaran Campbell was providing the ammunition for his attacking colleagues with some astute play and set up a number of scores for Darach Bradley and Benny McDonnell but Sarsfields were still giving it everything and keeping within striking distance.
In the end Ryan Thom’s goal would prove the difference and the towering half back was just one of a number of fringe players who will have put their names in the frame for a starting berth next week with Charlie Metrustry, Connell Killough and Michael Read all catching the eye.
All Saints: Jason Givens, Eóin Walsh, James Gillan, Michael Read, Joe Rafferty, Shaun O’Callaghan, Ryan Thom, Peter McNicholl, Emmet killough, Darach Bradley, Connell Killough, Charlie Metrustry, Ciaran Campbell , Michael McCarry, Benny McDonnell.
Scorers: D. Bradley 1-1 Michael McCarry 0-2 Benny McDonnell 1-3 Emmet killough – 0-1 Ryan Thom – 1-0 Joe Rafferty 0-1 Shaun O’Callaghan 0-1
Referee: Conor Byrney