On the back of a drawn contest between these clubs in last years’ final round robin tie, and a similar league result in April in Glenravel, supporters of both clubs could be forgiven for thinking another blockbuster was in store for this first phase championship encounter at Kelly Park, Portglenone.
The reality though is that this contest was as good as over after ten minutes, at which stage last years’ beaten finalists Casements had already stretched out an eight point lead that never looked like being reeled in.
Playing attractive fast moving football from the throw in, Portglenone opened the scoring when Dermot McAleese palmed to the net after just two minutes, and a similar mazy weave resulted in a second green flag when Oisin Doherty fielded the kickout, fed Dermot McAleese who in turn laid off to the marauding Enda Lynn less than five minutes later.
In between times a point each from Ryan McQuillan and Sean McKay for the visitors and a trio from Aidan McAleese, Oisin Doherty and Dermot McAleese kept the hosts ticking over nicely in front. It took a superb save from Casements custodian Kevin Mullan to deny half back Daniel McQuillan, as Con Magees produced a brief spell of dominance, but Mullan’s save, on top of three 45s which were not converted, meant that they had little to show for those endeavours.
When big Aidan McAleese pointed in the twelfth minute and Enda Lynn set up Michael Hagan for a tap over score one minute later the writing was on the wall. Six further points were registered by the home side before their first wide of the game in the twenty ninth minute. Oisin Doherty finished off a fine individual first half with the final score before Darren McKeown blew for half time, Casements 13 points to the good.
Although Ryan McQuillan notched the first score of the second half, any notion of a comeback was immediately dispelled when Ryan Convery ran the full length of the pitch to slide the ball past Shaun O’Boyle in Glenravel nets. Oisin Doherty was back to his best, taking men on from a half forward position and scoring at will, assisted at every turn by attacking colleagues Aidan McAleese Michael Hagan, Ronan Kelly and Enda Lynn. A few minutes later Michael Hagan punished a mishap in Glenravel’s defence and cheekily lobbed the ball past McQuillan for Casements fourth goal of the evening. Within three minutes Ronan Kelly got in on the act to make it five as the game turned into a score fest for last years’ runners up.
It was a night to forget for Glenravel who were longing for the final whistle long before Darren McKeown blew for time up, and they have work to do to regroup in time for their remaining assignments. Ryan McQuillan notched a couple of points from play and a handful of frees, but overall was well contained by Ronan Delargy. Conor McGhee did a similarly good job throughout, stifling Eamon Fyfe, Glenravels other main scoring threat.
Eamon Ward, Niall Swann and Niall Hynds grafted away for their cause, as did Shea O`Brien and Daniel McQuillan but overall Glenravel will just want to put this performance behind them.
In contrast Casements demonstrated the difference between league and championship as John McKeever starts to crank up his systems. Veteran Jonny Convery slotted into centre half with ease and won a lot of breaking ball, as younger sibling Ryan looked every inch the exciting player He was before his lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, covering every blade of pristine O Ceallaigh park.
Upon his introduction debutant Ryan McKeever got a few scores to settle him into championship mode, as all over the pitch Casements looked strong and assured.
Niall Delargy was absent due to the birth of first child (Seanie) earlier in the day as midfield stalwarts Paddy Kelly and Dermot McAleese looked in top form the first whistle. Kevin OKane looked superb at full back, but it was the entire forward division playing with a confidence not seen for some time.
Enda Lynn was in top form, pulling strings for fun. Oisin Doherty posted a superb hour, finishing with eight points from play. Stylist Michael Hagan contributed a goal and four points and also caught the eye from general play. Ronan Kelly (1 -01) and Aidan McAleese (0 – 04) also looked good throughout, but it was the combination play that particularly caught the eye.
John McKeever will be content in the knowledge that his men are moving nicely as they travel to Rossa Park for their next test – Con Magees will want to put this behind them as quickly as possible.
Referee Darren McKeown.
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
https://myalbum.com/album/xoWya6hrZTDx6o/?invite=1f57b449-ae2f-41ad-9941-2ba5564680dc