St Andrews opened brightly and scored within ten seconds of the throw-in. They went on to lead by 0-6 to 0-2 on 23 minutes before Clonmore hit their best spell with points from Kevin, Enda and Gavin and a great goal by Niall putting us 1-5 to 0-7 ahead on 28 minutes. The Saints rallied with 3 more points to lead by 0-10 to 1-5 at half-time.
There was still only 3 points between the teams up to the 55th minute when the score was 0-13 to 1-7. Clonmore had plenty of scoring oportunities but we hit the crossbar and the post and the keeper saved at least two certain goals which would have brought Clonmore right back into it. St Andrews scored 1-2 in the last 5 minutes to give themselves a good win and take home the 4 footballs on offer to the winners.
This was a good workout in Netwatch Cullen Park in advance of the Championship and if even half of our goal chancves had been converted, it could have been a different outcome.
Team: Paddy Byrne, David McCarney, John Kelly, Paul Hogan, Anthony Byrne, Bobby Rooney, Willie Byrne, Gavin Byrne (0-1), Alan Humphries, Kevin McCarney (0-1), Con Murphy (0-2), Paddy Gahan, David Mulvany (0-1), Niall Humphries (1-1), Enda McGrath (0-1). Sub: Pauric Lawlor for Willie Byrne (HT).
Photo: Bobby Rooney was strong in defence against St Andrews making some bone crunching tackles.
