Ballinlough 1-01-04 (9) Walterstown 1-03-10 (19)

Ballinlough made their way to a wet and windy Walterstown on Monday evening for Round 8 of the Division 3 League, a League the team in red are finding difficult to get a foothold in, with a few narrow defeats coupled with some more unsavoury losses, and unfortunately despite an improved effort the result tonight falls into the latter category.

Walterstown kicked off proceedings in the first minute using the wind advantage to good effect with a two point score from the off.

Kit Óg Lynch hit back for Ballinlough with a pointed free a moment later but a second two pointer for the home side saw them leading by three by the fifth minute.

Good defensive pressure from Ballinlough minimised some early chances for Walterstown but they did fire over a point in the 12th minute before another some five minutes later to extend their lead, Ballinlough failing to trouble the scoreboard in that period.

The visitors did get some joy by the 18th minute when the returning Tom Shine fired over from play after good work from his brother Daire, who was also making his return after his hurling exploits, and Kit Òg Lynch to set up Tom for the score.

The next score was reminiscent of what we know this Ballinlough side is capable of as Harry Ryan won possession around midfield and held it up well before laying it across to Robbie Farrell, who in turn played an inch perfect pass into Kit Óg Lynch. From there Kit found the on rushing Brandon Brunton and he fired past the keeper in the 20th minute to give Ballinlough a much needed lift.

Unfortunately Walterstown were able to hit back almost immediately with a pointed free and their third two pointer of the half, this time from a placed ball in the 26th minute.

Indeed the home side could have being further in front before the end of the half only to be denied twice in quick succession by the reflexes of Senan McDermott in the Ballinlough net.

They did manage a point from play on the stroke of half time so when Referee Stephen Murphy blew the whistle Ballinlough trailed on a scoreline of 1-02 to Walterstown 0-10.

Walterstown started the scoring with a point from play in the 32nd minute before a ten minute spell of no scoring from either side. Unfortunately for Ballinlough the next ten minutes proved to be their downfall as they conceded 1-04 without reply to allow Walterstown a much more commanding lead.

A half goal chance was squandered when Daire Shine pulled his effort wide of the posts but Ballinlough did finally get a second half score with a booming two pointer from the boot of Harry Ryan in the 51st minute.

Walterstown’s final score came through a point from play in the 54th minute, and while Ballinlough finished strongly and created plenty of chances towards the end, they were only able to tag on two further scores with Kit Óg Lynch and Sean Tunney both converting late frees.

With that Referee Stephen Murphy blew the full time whistle with the scoreboard reading Ballinlough 1-06 to Walterstown’s 1-16.

Another defeat for us but a much more promising display and with players returning to the fold it leads to some optimism for the games ahead… we’ll keep the faith!!

Ballinlough: S.McDermott, C.Fleming, D.Caffrey, R.Farrell, C.Lynch, L.Maguire, B.Smith, M.McCullen, H.Ryan(0-02(one 2pt)), N.McDonnell, T.Shine(0-01), B.Brunton(1-00), K.Óg Lynch(0-02(2f)), S.Tunney(0-01(1f)), D.Shine

Subs: D.Galligan for T.Shine 51’

Referee: Stephen Murphy

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