St Paul’s 2-11 Culloville 2-10
St Paul’s survived a strong second half comeback from Culloville to book their place in the semi-finals of the IFC.
Ronan Clarke’s side carried a ten-point lead into the break, but Culloville roared back into the game after the turnaround.
With the aid of a big breeze at their backs, the Lurgan men charged into what seemed like an uncatchable lead.
But Culloville had the conditions in their favour for the second half and their comeback mission just came up short.
St Paul’s started much brighter and had two green flags raised by the tenth minute, through Shea Kearney and Odhran Magill.
Niall McParland, Ryan Lawless, Daniel McDonald, Andrew Murnin (2) and Mark Agnew all added points as well.
Culloville eventually got off the mark in the 25th minute when Fergal Kieran netted after a long ball into the square.
St Paul’s had the final say of the half and Agnew tapped over his second of the day. That saw last year’s beaten finalists lead 2-7 to 1-0 at the half time break.
The margin was only widened at the start of the second period and Murnin and Agnew raised further white flags.
Colm Watters, who had an outstanding game, nailed a brace while Murnin and Ryan Duffy exchanged efforts.
Duffy then slammed home a goal for the Blues and suddenly a game that looked dead and buried leaped into life.
Niall McCorry settled things for St Paul’s, but Culloville were certainly in no mood for slowing down.
They landed the last seven scores of the game, to leave them within one, but they just couldn’t find that equaliser.
Watters knocked over four of those while Dara Quinn, Niall Rowland and Duffy all split the posts as well.
It’s on to the semis for St Paul’s while Culloville exit the championship, but they will compete at the senior grade next season having won Division 2A.
