When Duleek and St. Colmcille's met in last year's championship, nine-points separated the sides. It was a much closer affair this time around as two late points sealed the outcome. Duleek 1-11 St. Colmcille's 1-9 The 'Cilles got off to a flyer and Duleek struggled to get the ball past the half way line early on. In the opening 15 minutes the St. Colmcille's' players were first to every ball and were cleaning up the breaks at midfield.  However during this period of dominance they only managed to register three points, one coming from play. This was due to some good defending from the Duleek backs but mostly from some wayward shooting from their forwards. They hit five wides during this period. Duleek didn't get their first score until the 18th minute when a Peter Curran 45' was fisted to the net by midfielder Karl McDonnell. Duleek were level with their second shot on goal and their first on target. Duleek started to step up the pace and two Conal McGinley points put them in the lead for the first time. The 'Cilles replied with one of their own before two more points for Duleek, a fine effort from McDonnell and a free from Curran gave them a three-point lead. Right on half time the 'Cilles got the goal their efforts deserved when slack marking allowed them in for a goal which was taken superbly. At the break the sides went in level. Half time-Duleek 1-04 St. Colmcille's 1-04 The second half started well for Duleek when Curran put them in front after one minute. After that however The Cilles took over hitting four unanswered points. At this stage it was St. Colmcille's who looked like they had won their opening two games and not Duleek. However once again the lack of firepower up front let them down and as the game turned they would be left to regret their misses. In a five minute period Duleek scored four points through Curran (2 frees), McGinley and Michael Johnson, to put them one ahead again. Although 'Cilles brought it level for the fifth time Duleek had the momentum and hit two late points in injury time to give them an undeserved two point win. The lack of scoring forwards on the St. Colmcille's team had cost them a game they should have won. Duleek would have to improve a great deal if they wish to make an impression in this years championship Duleek - Ricky Nolan; Bryan Tallon, Stephen Murphy, David Crosby; Gordon Hynes, Aodhan Byrne, Mark Cudden; Tony Cunningham, Karl McDonnell 1-1; Peter Curran 0-5, Kenneth McDonnell, Conal McGinley 0-3; Daire Ferguson, Robbie O'Neill, Colin Duignan 0-1. Subs - Michael Johnson0-1 for D. Ferguson (blood injury), D. Ferguson for R. O'Neill Tweet

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