Clonmore raced into an early lead and were 0-6 to 0-2 up after 20 minutes thanks to points from Collie McGrath (4), Richard Roche and Ger "Heidi" Doyle. Then Tullow hit a purple patch and scored 1-4 without reply to go 1-6 to 0-6 ahead – Michael O'Brien and Johnny Purcell among the Tullow scorers with Purcell kicking some great long range frees. and converting a penalty.
On the stroke of half time, Pauric Lawlor found JP Doyle with a lovely ball and after fielding it over the full back, JP did well to find the net to leave the score at half-time level at 1-6 apiece.
Just after half-time, Daniel Quigley put Clonmore back in front with a neat point off his weaker right foot but this was followed by two "45s" by Purcell. In between these scores Jason Fitzharris in the Clonmore goal brought off a great point blank save to prevent a certain goal – Jason was very steady in goal on his return to Clonmore colours. Then JP hit the net again and this was followed by points by Fisher and Clive to put us 2-9 to 1-8 ahead on 50 minutes.
The four point lead looked like it might see us home but up popped that man Purcell again to score a cracking goal to bring Tullow back into the game. A long range point by Collie McGrath, off the outside of his boot, restored our two point lead – 2-10 to 2-8 on 52 mins – but Tullow again hit back with a point to leave the minimum between the sides and time just up.
Enter substitute Eoin O'Toole – the experienced former county player took about ten steps before slotting over the equaliser on the stroke of full-time – Referee Shamie Doyle waved away all protests and blew the final whistle to leave the game a draw – 2-10 apiece.
This was a positive start to the League campaign for the Juniors and it was good to see a nice mixture of youth and experience on show. The next game is away to Tinryland on Tuesday next at 7.15pm.
TEAM: Jason Fitzharris. Jordan Kane, Colin Doyle, Martin Byrne, Mick Smith, Pauric Lawlor, Larry Doyle, John McGrath, Ronan Doyle, Ger Doyle (0-1), Collie McGrath (0-5), Paul Byrne (0-1,f), Richard Roche (0-1), JP Doyle (2-0), Daniel Quigley (0-1). Subs: John Connolly for Ger Doyle, Cian Heffernan for Mick Smith, Clive Lambe (0-1) for Richard Roche, Martin Doyle for Martin Byrne, Adam Doyle for JP Doyle.
PHOTO: Collie McGrath was in great scoring form for the Juniors kicking five points from play in an impressive performance.
