Browne"s goal proves turning point as Maryland outclass Ballymore

This was a routine win for Maryland in the second instalment of the intermediate championship double-header at Cusack Park last Sunday. In another relatively dull game with little or no excitement and the result rarely in doubt, the only thing that made the game watchable was the flowing football, accurate passing and fine score taking that Maryland produced at times. There was an early scare for Maryland when, after just two minutes, half-back Shane Rooney sped through the Maryland defence and could have went for goal but opted instead for a fisted point. Dermot Farrell increased the Ballymore lead with lovely score off the right boot that just crept in off the left upright. It was a slow start by Maryland but they finally got moving on nine minutes when Joe Harte registered his first of the game - from a free. But two Ballymore points from Frank Eivers, after a splendid pass from the skilful Anthony Kearney, and a huge one from midfielder Paddy Martin compounded the excellent start made to the game by the Ballymore men. But, as often is the case, goals change games and the Maryland goal that came on 21 minutes was exactly the jump-start the Drumraney club needed. It was a goal from nothing as a free from David Martin dropped short in the small square where Tom Browne pounced to punch the loose ball to the net. From there on Maryland never looked back. Points from Kieran Martin, Joe Harte and one of the scores of the day from James Reynolds, after a patient move, put the pre-match favourites into a three point lead when, just four minutes previously, they were down by the same amount. However, just before the break, Derek Molloy kept Ballymore in the game with a routine free to leave the scores at 1-4 to 0-5 in favour of Maryland at the interval. Two early points upon the restart of proceedings from Kieran Martin and Joe Harte (free) extended Maryland"s advantage to four points. And by the time the 42nd minute had rolled around, the gap had become six courtesy of two further points (1 free) from the on-form Joe Harte. John Gilligan registered another contender for score of the game when the Ballymore half-forward landed a sideline ball from the 21 yard line over the bar. And when Derek Molloy pointed another free it looked as though Ballymore were beginning to draw Maryland in. But Maryland were having none of it and kicked on once again. Substitute John Reilly made an immediate impact winning his first ball before burning his man for pace and fisting over the bar on 49 minutes. Another substitute Anthony Reynolds got his name on the scoresheet on 52 minutes and by the time Callum McCormack fisted over his first of the day on 58 minutes, the game was well beyond the reach of Ballymore who could only respond with a Paddy Martin free. So Maryland register another win and look odds on to qualify for the knockout stages of this year"s intermediate championship where, after the disappointments of recent years, they will surely be thinking of a serious assault on the title. Ballymore were outclassed on the day but will no doubt take some positives away from the game - not least some of the fine scores they managed to register. SCORERS - Maryland: Joe Harte (0-5, 3f), Tom Browne (1-0), K Martin (0-2), James Reynolds (0-1), John Reilly (0-1), Anthony Reynolds (0-1), Callum McCormack (0-1). Ballymore: Paddy Martin (0-2, 1f), Derek Molloy (0-2, 1f), Shane Rooney (0-1), Dermot Farrell (0-1), Frank Eivers (0-1), John Gilligan (0-1). Maryland: John Murray, Phillip Rainey, Eoin Farrell, Trevor Farrell, Ronan Farrell, Conor Farrell, James Reynolds, David Reynolds, Damien Reynolds, John Cunningham, Kieran Martin, Callum McCormack, Joe Harte, David Martin, Tom Browne. SUBS USED: Anthony Reynolds for Damien Reynolds (H-T), Ronan Moran for Phillip Rainey (33 mins), John Reilly for David Martin (48 mins). Ballymore: Vinny McCormack, Barry McDermott, Declan Rooney, Frank Eivers, Shane Rooney, Andrew Slevin, Denis Eivers, Paddy Martin, Derek Molloy, Anthony Kearney, Mick Dineen, John Gilligan, Louis Meares, Paul O"Halloran, Dermot Farrell. SUBS USED: Liam Gilligan for Louis Meares (20 mins), Francis Hughes for Paul O"Halloran (45 mins), James Eivers for Dermot Farrell (46 mins). Referee: Des McEnery (Garrycastle).