St. Mary’s CBGS reach Play-Offs after Bessbrook victory

Danske Bank Rafferty Cup, Group A Round 5

St. Mary’s CBGS qualified for the Play-Off round of the Danske Bank Rafferty Cup after victory over St Paul’s Bessbrook at the Glen Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Having won their opening two group encounters against Sacred Heart Omagh and St Malachy’s Castlewellan, the West Belfast natives were beaten by Holy Cross Strabane on Friday and needed victory to secure a place in the Play-Offs following the Halloween break.

The hosts were impressive throughout and goals from Padraig Kelly, Darragh O’Sullivan and Marc Killyleagh set the tone.

Kelly and Cristoir McCabe added points with a quickfire double from Eoghan Fegan and Pauriac McGinity giving the visitors a platform to build upon.

Odhran Marley swung over a fine point and Kelly dropped over a two-pointed score from play ahead of Oisin Cribben converting a free as the hosts led at the interval.

The sides traded early scores after the break through Matthew O’Neill and Sean Og Quinn. St. Mary’s added to their tally through an Oliver Fay goal and a converted Oliver Robb penalty late on.

It sealed victory for the Glen Road natives who will face a knock-out tie following their Halloween break in a bid to reach the last-eight of the competition.