Clan na Gael 3-12 Crossmaglen 2-7
A second half scoring spree helped Clan na Gael collect the Minor Championship title as they overcame Crossmaglen.
Two goals in a matter of minutes proved the turning point for the Clans, who ran out eight point winners in the end.
The two teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the game, drawing level at 0-2 apiece after seven minutes.
Ronan McAlinden and Callum O’Neill got the Clans off the mark, but their scores were matched by Benny Duffy and Aaron O’Neill.
Cross then edged ahead through Jack Crummie, but Clans captain O’Neill got the Blues back on level terms.
James Austin and Aaron O’Neill traded frees before Jack Lavery rattled the net to drive Clan na Gael ahead.
Austin put them four up before Cross hit back with a goal of their own. Ryan Martin palmed home Aaron Haughey’s long delivery.
Corner back Conor McConville stormed forward to tie things up once again, but Clan na Gael nudged in front before the break.
Two frees from Austin put the Lurgan youngsters ahead by two points at the halfway stage. 1-7 to 1-5 at half time.
Clan na Gael extended that lead at the start of the second half as Tom Lavery got in on the scoring act.
Crossmaglen battled back bravely however and soon shot as two frees from O’Neill left the minimum between the sides.
Crummie then claimed a major, reacting quickest to a ball bouncing off the post to stick it in the net.
Clans took control of the encounter however and dominated the rest of the game, reeling off 2-4.
Shea McCann landed two great scores before Lavery set up Austin for a three-pointer. With I minutes, they raised another green flag, with Calvin McConville netting.
Clans tagged on scores through Austin and Tom Lavery to run out comfortable eight-point winners in the end.
