Slicker Raharney too strong for Delvin

Raharney 4-24, Delvin 0-12

By Shane King

Raharney eased to a convincing victory over a 14-man Delvin side in a one-sided affair at The Downs on Saturday evening.

The contest never truly sparked into life as Raharney dominated from the outset, building an unassailable lead by half-time. Despite shooting 10 first-half wides, they still turned around with a commanding 2-14 to 0-3 advantage, with Delvin's tally coming from three Darragh Clinton frees.

The task became even more difficult for Delvin early in the second half when Fintan Cox was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. To their credit, the maroon and whites showed greater resolve after the interval, making good use of the breeze and producing some fine scores from play, but Raharney always remained comfortably in control.

The result highlighted the challenge facing Delvin on their return to Senior ‘A’ level. Missing several key players, they have struggled to match championship contenders in their opening two outings. Raharney, meanwhile, will be satisfied with a commanding display, although a return of 21 wides is an area they will look to improve.

Playing with the aid of the breeze, Raharney made a blistering start. They raced into a 1-4 to no score lead inside five minutes, with points from Michael Doherty, Eoghan Ahearn and Eoin Keyes preceding Killian Doyle's well-taken goal after excellent approach play involving Devin Hill. Eamonn Cunneen also converted a free during the early onslaught.

Delvin opened their account on ten minutes when Darragh Clinton converted a free after Patrick Clune was fouled, but Raharney quickly reasserted their dominance. Two points from Ciaran Doyle and a Cunneen 65’, awarded after Eoghan Ahearn's goal effort was saved, stretched the lead further.

The game's second goal arrived shortly afterwards in unusual fashion. Devin Hill supplied Eoin Keyes, who lost his hurley in the process and kicked the sliotar to the net, making it 2-7 to 0-1.

Clinton added another free for Delvin, but Raharney continued to pick off scores through Joey Boyle, Cunneen, Cormac Boyle, Killian Doyle and another Ciaran Doyle free.

A third Clinton free was cancelled out by further scores from Ciaran Doyle, Cormac Boyle and Cunneen, leaving Raharney firmly in command at the interval, 2-14 to 0-3.

Cunneen opened the second-half scoring following an excellent team move before Alan Cox responded with an impressive point from distance for Delvin.

Ciaran Doyle added another free before Delvin were reduced to 14 players when Fintan Cox received a second yellow card following a challenge that made contact with a Raharney player's helmet.

The game became more even for a spell as both sides traded scores. Darragh Core and Clinton exchanged points before Darren Finn ventured forward from wing-back to split the posts, with Ciarán Fenlon replying at the opposite end.

Josh Coll struck an excellent long-range point for Delvin before Cunneen converted another free and Oisín Kelly responded with a fine score from play.

Ciaran Doyle extended Raharney's advantage before the contest was effectively put beyond any lingering doubt when poor defending allowed Devin Hill through on goal, and landed the sliotar in the net.

Alan Cox added another point for Delvin, but Raharney finished strongly. Darragh Core struck twice before Michael Doherty supplied Darren Finn, who blasted home Raharney's fourth goal.

Delvin finished with late points from Clinton, Enda Newman and Josh Coll, but Caolan Ready had the final word as Raharney completed a comprehensive 24-point victory.

Scorers - Raharney: C Doyle 0-6 (3f), E Cunneen 0-5 (2f, 65’), D Finn, E Keyes and K Doyle 1-1 each, D Core 0-3, D Hill 1-0, C Boyle 0-2, J Boyle, C Ready, R Coyne, M Doherty and E Ahearn 0-1 each

Delvin: D Clinton 0-5 (3f), A Cox and J Coll 0-2, C Fenlon, O Kelly and E Newman 0-1 each.

Raharney: Aaron McHugh; Gary Greville, Rory Keyes, Darren Finn; Seán Quinn, Robbie Greville, Eamonn Cunneen; Cormac Boyle, Michael Doherty; Joey Boyle, Ciaran Doyle, Eoin Keyes; Devin Hill, Killian Doyle, Eoghan Ahearn. Subs: Robbie Coyne for Ahearn (HT), Darragh Core for J Boyle (HT), Caolan Ready for K Doyle (43), Joey Boyle for C Doyle (54).

Delvin: Stephen Reilly; Patrick Ryan, Adam Ennis, Jack Forde; Sebastian McPherson, Alan Cox, Stefan Ennis; Josh Coll, Patrick Farrington; Enda Newman, Darragh Clinton, Ciarán Fenlon; Oisín Kelly, Fintan Cox, Patrick Clune. Subs: Luke Fenlon for Ryan (43).

Referee: Ken Gunning (St. Brigid’s).