In balmy conditions in Woodside, the Intermediates made sure of at least a play-off for a place in the semi-finals with an outstanding display of high energy and high intensity.
Clonmore shot out of the blocks and scored 1-3 without reply in the first quarter – the goal coming from Alan Humphries who was revelling his new role at centre forward and raced through the middle to score.
The team was playing a fast, interpassing game, keeping possession and re-cycling the ball intelligently. This required a high level of running off the ball, supporting the man in possession and fast movement of the ball to a man in space. These tactics worked very well and numerous point scoring chances were created – not all were scored but by half time, the on-fire Niall Humphries (3), Con Murphy (2), Collie, David and Anthony had converted enough to give us a good half-time lead of 1-8 to 0-3 – B'branna scoring in their only three attacks.
B'branna made a burst at the start of the second half and reduced the lead to 5 points – 1-8 to 0-6 on 35 minutes. Then Shane Murphy rampaged up the field from centre back to score an inspirational point from 50 yards to stop the rot. That settled the team and further points by David, Con (3) and Niall sealed a very good team performance.
Having won our last three games impressively, we now have 10 points and are guaranteed at least a play-off for a semi-final place. In this form, with the squad boosted by the return of David Mulvany and Jamie Walsh, things are looking up. We must await the results over the weekend and take it from there.
Team: Paddy Byrne, Andrew Byrne, Sean Doyle, Dave McCarney (0-2), Enda McGrath, Shane Murphy (0-1), Anthony Byrne (0-1), Gavin Byrne, Jordan Kane, Paddy Gahan, Alan Humphries (1-0), Con Murphy (0-5,3f), Adam Byrne, Colin McGrath (0-1), Niall Humphries (0-4). Subs: David Mulvany for Adam, Jamie Walsh for Jordan, John McGrath for Colin.
PHOTO: David McCarney travelled all the way from Cork to play in Clonmore's vital game against Ballinabranna. He then went on to play a starring roll in the team's impressive win, constantly flying up and down the pitch from his wing back position and finishing with two excellent points. Well done to David for showing such great commitment and leadership.
