Cromane 1-10, Rathmore B 1-12

Rathmore B blew the promotion race to Division 4 wide open when they beat Cromane in Cromane by two points on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors got off to a great start leading by 1-3 to no score after just six minutes, Rathmore’s goal coming courtesy of Michael Anthony Kelliher who was the first the pounce when a point effort rebounded off the post. This early blitz left Cromane with a difficult task and they could never get close to Rathmore during the first period.

Paul Patrick O’Sullivan kicked Cromane's first score in the ninth minute before a long ball into the square was finished to the net by Seán O’Sullivan. This brought Cromane to within three (1-1 to 1-4) after 15 minutes but Rathmore were able to keep them at arm’s length for the rest of the half. Rathmore even had the luxury of a missed penalty when Michael Anthony’s blazed wide.

Further points from their impressive centre-back TJ Friel, midfielder John Hickey and corner-forward Cormac Cronin (who ended the day with 0-7 to his name) ensured that Rathmore led by 1-9 to 1-4 at the break.

In the second half Cromane started much the better and pointed through Mikey Houlihan within 20 seconds. Cromane managed to restrict Rathmore to just three points in the second period as the home side dominated possession. However, some wasteful shooting and over-elaboration meant that they could never really hurt their opponents on the scoreboard.

With 15 minutes left Rathmore still held that five-point half-time lead, ahead by 1-11 to 1-6.

Cromane finished much the stronger, in part as Rathmore invited them on by playing some keep ball. Four late points from Darren Houlihan (two from 45s) brought Cromane to within two and despite seven minutes of injury time they could not find the goal that would have clinched an undeserving win.