Report: Frank Delargy

ACFL Division 1

Casements 1 – 20 v 2 – 18 All Saints

All Saints posted an impressive display and marched into safe all county division one territory after a thrilling end to end contest at glistening O`Cahan Park on Sunday afternoon. In need of two points Bakers men made a terrific start, signalling intent with the first three scores of the game within the first five minutes, courtesy of Cal O’Brien, Paddy Ferris and Benny McDonnell.

Despite Casements lethargic start they eventually did find their shooting boots, McAleese brothers Aidan and Ciaran both posting a series of single and double pointers to keep the hosts ticking over.

The pace was fast as neither side looked sideways or backwards, and scores were plentiful. Hard running Jimbo McDonnell had a superb hour and his three scores in quick succession kept the Saints noses in front, as Shaun OCallaghan, Conall Lemon and Conor Stewart kept the scoreboard moving for the visitors. An excellent solo effort from returning Enda Lynn and rangy midfielder Michael Donnelly kept Portglenone firmly in the hunt and when Kevin Parke blew his whistle for half time respite, All Saints were a point to the good.

When play resumed Ciaran McAleese had the sides equal within a minute.  This was the pattern of the entire game, scores at one end met with a speedy reply at the other, both clubs setting up similar attacking patterns across the pitch with neither team taking a backward step.

At the three quarter mark the teams were still level at seventeen points each, the highlight being a sixty yard two pointer after Ronan Kelly stepped up to punish a foul on himself a minute earlier. Benny McDonnell and Conor Stewart were both putting in a shift, three scores from each of them providing Ballymena with an important platform from which they found the confidence to kick on and into a lead they would not surrender.

Casements to their credit kept up the fight and the excellent attacking duo of Oisin Doherty and Ronan Kelly chipped in with significant scores to ensure this one would go right to the wire. With a few minutes to go lively sub Paudi Mitchell fired over to extend the lead to two points with the clock in their favour. A terrific reply from Conall Delargy brought the deficit to the minimum but one last Casements opportunity was well defended by the resolute middle town men who were determined to see this one out.

When referee Kevin Parke blew his whistle for the final time just one point separated the sides after this absorbing contest. To their obvious relief it was in favour of the visitors who were highly motivated from the first whistle, to grab both points on offer that should in all eventuality keep them safe from end of season relegation playoffs.

Ballymena were well served throughout the pitch where Joe Rafferty and improving all the time youngster Harry Connon caught the eye in defence along with the superb Patrick Ferris who along with Shaun OCallaghan, are two players who in this writers opinion must surely feature on any future county squad.

Emmet Killough and Cal O’Brien lorded midfield and up front the McDonnells, Conall Lemon and Conor Stewart were involved in the thick of the action throughout.

All Saints might be timing their run well for participation in a tight group where they will be competitive, especially with the return of Kavan Keenan and possibly Antrim county player of the season Paddy McAleer.

Casements might not have had similar motivation on this occasion with Mattie McGleenan quite obviously experimenting with a number of squad players as he too starts his own build up to more serious matters next month. Enda Lynn and Niall Delargy got gametime into their legs and Oisin Doherty looked lively upon his return to action. Aidan McAleese produced yet another top class display, up there for debate along with Ballymena centre half Shaun O’Callaghan for the day’s best player on view.

Referee Kevin Parke.

Scorers.

Casements; Aidan McAleese 0 – 06, Oisin Doherty 1 – 02, Ronan Kelly 0 – 04, Ciaran McAleese 0 – 04, Enda Lynn 0 – 01, Paddy Kelly 0 – 01, Michael Donnelly 0 -01, Conall Delargy 0 – 01.

All Saints; Conor Stewart 1 – 03, James McDonnell 1 – 02, Benny ODonnell 0 – 05, Sean OCallaghan 0 – 02, Conell Lemon 0 -02, Cal OBrien 0 – 01, Patrick Ferris 0 – 01, Joe Rafferty 0 – 01, Paudi Mitchell 0 – 01.