LEINSTER COLL SENIOR ‘A’ FC
Leinster wins for Eoin and Benildus
Daire Walsh
CHAMPIONS of 2014 Coláiste Eoin began their Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship campaign with a gritty 0-13 to 0-9 triumph over Good Counsel, New Ross at UCD on Tuesday afternoon.
The Gaelscoil are a regular fixture at the business end of this provincial competition and are odds-on to reach the knockout rounds regardless of how their final group game – against fellow Dublin school St Fintan’s HS, Sutton – pans out.
Eoin didn’t have it all their own away against the Slaneysiders and found themselves on level terms (0-8 apiece) at an advanced stage in the second half.
POWERFUL
However, a powerful final-quarter showing eventually got Eoin over the line in clinical style.
Meanwhile, St Benildus College also enjoyed a winning start to Group E on home soil yesterday. Despite encountering a stubborn resistance from the ever-competitive Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge they emerged with a precious 3-8 to 1-11 success.
When you consider holders Naas CBS are the third team in this pool, there was a ‘must-win’ feel to this clash. While Patricians had the better of the opening exchanges, a well-time goal propelled Benildus into a 1-4 to 0-5 interval cushion.
Though the tie remained delicately poised, a second Benildus major on the stroke of 40 minutes created fresh daylight between the sides. Patricians fired back with a goal of their own from Cian McHugh – only for their southside hosts to immediately respond with another three-pointer.
To their credit, the Lilywhites persevered with their challenge and Ben Scanlon was agonisingly close to claiming an equaliser in the dying moments. Yet, Benildus ultimately held out and can now look forward to an away meeting with Naas on November 27.