Middletown 0-8 Tullysaran 0-14
Tullysaran earned an opening day win in the Intermediate Championship when they travelled to Middletown on Sunday.
A strong first half showing was enough for John Devine’s men to pick up the two points on offer in round one.
Tullysaran stormed into an eight-point lead by the time the short whistle sounded. Although Middletown closed the gap after the turnaround.
Middletown, already relegated to the Junior Championship for next year through the league, offered a much better test in the second half.
After a sketchy start, the visitors took control of the encounter with the aid of a strong breeze.
Middletown opened the scoring before a free from the left boot of Gavin Conlon tied things up.
The two teams traded scores, before Tullysaran entered a period of domination, rattling off eight scores in a row.
Conlon fired over an equaliser while Eddie Mallon was responsible for two points. Ciaran Mullen added another for the visiting side to put them three-points to the good.
Another Conlon free was followed by five in a row from centre half forward Mark McKeever, including two frees, before the break.
That left Tullysaran well and truly in the driving seat heading into the second half as they lead 0-10 to 0-2.
Tullysaran only added four points to their tally after the turnaround, with Middletown offering a better challenge.
Mallon fisted over a score for the away team while Conlon added to his tally with three points from placed balls.
Middletown actually won the second half and Sean Og McGuinness top scored on the day with three frees.
Peadar McBride nailed 0-2 for Middletown while Johnny Trainor, Marty Maguire and Joe Moan hit a point apiece.
It’s Belleek up next for Tullysaran, while Middletown will again enjoy home advantage in round two when they take on St Patrick’s.
