Beale seniors were knocked off the top of the table perch by Scartaglin on Sunday afternoon in the County League, Division 5. This was truly the acid test for the two table-topping teams. With just three games left, a win here would put the winners in a very strong position for divisional promotion. 

Unfortunately the game was fraught with tension from the throw-in and did not live up to expectations. Our backs soaked up the pressure in a low-scoring first half. Playing with the wind, Scartaglin had most possession but were wide of the target on many occasions. We too were guilty of missed chances and failed to get on the scoreboard until the twenty fifth minute. We were lucky to be up 1-1 to 0-3 at the interval - the result of a great movement ending up in the back of the net as the short whistle beckoned. It now looked like we would come into game but that was not to be. 

Scartaglin were first off the mark on the changeover. Our full forward line was starved of possession and we managed just one point in this half - a pointed free as the clock ticked away. 

Heavy rain made underfoot conditions difficult. In a hard-hitting game, tempers were frayed continually throughout, with both sides guilty of indiscipline. Much of the time the focus was not on playing the game and regrettably football was not a winner on the day. Perhaps we would have seen more competitive football had the referee taken firmer control of the game, The final score read 1-2 to 0-11, not in our favour. 

We now prepare for the end of the month when we host Dingle B, who are just two points behind us on the table. Our final two games will be against Kerins O‘Rahillys B and Dr Crokes C in July. 

Beale juniors contest the next round of the County Junior League, Group 5, on Friday evening when we travel to Mountcoal to play St Senans at 7.30. Our last two games will be against Moyvane and Churchill in July. 

Kerry and Cork go head to head in the. Munster Football Final on Saturday in Páirc Ui Chaoimh. Clubs have been advised by Kerry County Board to direct members to purchase tickets online at tickets.ie and Supervalu and Centra store. 

Ticket priced as follows - Adult Stand Pre-Purchase: €35; Adult Terrace Pre-Purchase: €25; Juvenile in both areas: €5. Prices will increase by €5 midnight the night before the game. Students and OAPs will receive €10 concession on full-priced adult tickets at the designated stile prior to entry with valid ID.