Holders Kiltale proved too good for Killyon at Trim on Thursday night in a repeat of last year's SHC final pairing

Kiltale ...... 1-19
Killyon ........0-14

Backed by the wind, Kiltale outscored Killyon by 0-10 to 0-2 in the final third of a generally engrossing round two fixture.

Four-in-a-row chasing Kiltale had too much class for a game Killyon who hinted at an upset when doubling their interval advantage to lead by 0-11 to 0-7 moments after the restart.

The outcome hinged in a Jack Regan 36th minute free which placed Peter Durnin for the only goal of the game and left it level, 1-8 to 0-11.

But for a fine second-half double-save by Steven Quinn, Kiltale's goal tally would have doubled.

Kiltale's fluency grew as the hour progressed and the picked-off some excellent points. They lined out without the suspended Mark O'Sullivan. But once James Kelly's excellent 41st minute point made it 1-10 to 0-12, the champions upped a couple of gears.

A resolute defence denied Killyon a couple of goals with corner-back Anthony Donnelly and full-back Phillip Garvey particularly impressive. Peter Durnin had a strong second-half contributing 1-2 and getting in a good block on a Clayton Keegan clearance.

Ross Ryan's quartet of points from play was another highlight for the holders. Kiltale lost Fergal McCabe to a second yellow card near the end. Their response was to tag on three unanswered points.

Mikey Mullen and Keith Keoghan posted eight points between them for Killyon, with just two of those coming from play.

Despite playing into the strong blustery wind in the first-half, Kiltale bossed the opening 20 minutes. Jack Regan's accuracy propelled them to a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 14 minutes.

Anthony Forde's 21st minute point - he could have gone for goal but opted to send over - left it 0-7 to 0-3

The final third of the half belonged to Killyon and yielded six points on the spin.

Things might have been better for Killyon but Keith Keoghan's 29th minute penalty - awarded for a foul on Mikey Mullen - crashed against Shane McGann's right-hand-post.

Next up for Kiltale is a joust with neighbours Blackhall Gaels while Killyon will face Dunderry

Kiltale - Shane McGann; Anthony Donnelly, Phillip Garvey, Ciaran Ennis; Ronan Ryan, Stephen Donoghue, Conor Shirren; Padraig Kelly; Anthony Forde (0-1); James Kelly (0-3), Cathal McCabe (0-2), Fergal McCabe; Peter Durnin (1-2), Ross Ryan (0-4), Jack Regan (0-7fs).

Killyon - Steven Quinn; Thomas Raleigh, Ray McKeown, Brendan Quinn; Christopher Dunne, Clayton Keegan, Jacob Ryan; Ger Foley, Keith Keoghan (0-3, 2 65s, 1f); Cillian Canavan, Calvin Ryan (0-2), Adam Gannon (0-2); Michael Mullen (0-5, 3fs), Adam Farrell, David Raleigh (0-1). Subs - Ray Massey (0-1) for Dunne (5), Stefan Kelly for Farrell (42).

Referee - Kevin Brady (Louth)

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