AFL DIV. 1 ROUNDUP – 18TH JULY
ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP: JULY 18
By Daire Walsh
St Vincent’s held onto top spot in the Adult Football League Division One table with a hard-earned 0-17 to 2-8 victory over Naomh Olaf at Pairc Ui Bhriain on Wednesday evening.
The Marino men dropped points for just the second time this season against neighbours Na Fianna last Sunday – a 1-15 to 2-12 draw on home soil following a previous defeat to Ballyboden St Enda’s on June 13. They were facing an Olaf’s that came into round 11 on the back of five consecutive reversals, leaving them second-from-bottom in the top-tier.
The Sandyford outfit last tasted success in an away clash with Ballymun Kickhams at the end of May. Points from Adam Baxter, Enda Varley and Tomas Quinn allowed Vins to create early breathing space, before Dublin U20 attacker Tom King forced Olaf’s into the reckoning with a well-taken goal.
Though they led by the bare minimum at the break, Vins remained in the ascendancy after the restart thanks to strong scoring contributions from Varley, Cian O’Brien and Adam Giblin. However, with Dublin senior panellist David Byrne driving them forward, Olaf’s secured their second goal of the proceedings.
This set the game up for a grandstand finale, only for Vins to regain control with the help of some outstanding defensive work by Jarlath Curley and substitute James McCusker. Quinn was also on hand to convert a series of frees in the closing moments – ensuring the northsiders extended their unbeaten run to four games.
Kilmacud Crokes currently lead the chasing pack, after they recorded a comprehensive 4-14 to 3-9 triumph at the expense of St Sylvester’s at Silver Park. Both sides had been in action last Friday – against Ballinteer St John’s and Ballymun respectively – meaning they had an extended period to prepare for the challenge that lay ahead.
Cian O’Connor has been in fine form for Crokes throughout the present campaign and he finished the night with an impressive haul of 1-5 to his name. While Syls played with the same attacking edge that helped to overcome the challenge of Ballymun, their Stillorgan counterparts continued to pick off scores as the play developed.
Courtesy of additional three-pointers from Mark Vaughan, dual player Bill O’Carroll and teenage star Jonathan Quinlan, Crokes claimed their eighth league win of 2018 in clinical style.
They are two points adrift of Vincent’s with just four matches remaining, but third-place Ballyboden St Enda’s are also expected to have a considerable say in the direction of the Division One trophy.
On a bright summer evening at Pairc Ui Murchu, Anthony Rainbow’s charges were commanding 3-17 to 0-13 victors over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh. Ahead of their visit to Somerton Park on Saturday week for a night-time encounter with Castleknock, ‘Boden find themselves a single point behind defending champions Crokes.
Meanwhile, Na Fianna returned to winning ways at home to Ballinteer St John’s – which consequently helps them to remain in fourth spot. Michael Deegan and Sky Blues underage star James Doran found the net for the Glasnevin side – who were searching for their first triumph in four outings.
Goals from David Devereux and Aodhan Clabby offered hope to their opponents, but Na Fianna eventually finished with seven points to spare (2-19 to 2-12).
Maur’s made it four wins on the bounce by defeating Lucan Sarsfields on a scoreline of 2-10 to 0-13 in Rush. With Ciaran Archer leading the way in front, Maur’s brought a 0-9 to 0-7 cushion into the interval.
Two second half goals – including one from Danny Byrne – placed the hosts in the driving seat, before Lucan rallied to set-up an exciting conclusion.
Maur’s held firm to claim maximum points, though, and are now just behind Na Fianna on score difference.
Elsewhere, Thomas Davis got the better of St Jude’s (1-15 to 2-7) and Ballymun Kickhams enjoyed a home success over Cuala – 0-14 to 1-7.