This was a very workmanlike performance from the Intermediates against neighbours Grange who beat us in both League and Championship last year.
Ronan Doyle got us off to a perfect start with two points in the first five minutes followed quickly by a third from the trusty left boot of Willie Byrne and another from Collie McGrath. Frees from Kieran Pender were keeping Grange in touch but the former county man also missed a few he would normally get. On the 26th minute, Enda McGrath ending a sweeping move involving PJ Byrne and Niall Humphries, with a cool finish to put us 1-5 to 0-3 up. David Mulvany and PJ added points to give us a 1-7 to 0-4 lead at half-time - Crock's effort hitting both posts before going over.
The second half followed a similar pattern with David Mulvany winning some good possession and scoring two more points. The game was finished as a contest by two identical goals from Niall Humphries on the 40th and 46th minutes - both into the bottom left hand corner of the net - the goal machine is back ! Subs Martin Doyle and Dale McNamara came off the bench to score and Paddy Gahan & Owen Coleman also kicked points to round off a good team performance where all 21 players played a part.
Next game: At home to Myshall on Tuesday, 29 April at 8pm.
Team: Paddy Byrne, Paul Byrne, John Kelly, Willie Byrne (0-1), Paddy Gahan (0-1), Gavin Byrne, Paul Hogan, Ronan Doyle (0-2), Enda McGrath (1-0), David Mulvany (0-3), Collie McGrath (0-1), Con Murphy (0-1), PJ Byrne (0-1), Niall Humphries (2-0), Owen Coleman (0-2). Subs: Martin Doyle (0-1), Mick Smith, Enda A McGrath, Mark A Byrne, Dale McNamara (0-2), Andrew Byrne.
PHOTO: The "big" three of the Clonmore Intermediate team - Gavin Byrne, Ronan Doyle and David Mulvany. In a reasonably small light team, these six footers have a vital role to play in winning ball and countering the physicality of the opposition. In the game against Grange, Gavin kept dangerman Kieran Pender quiet and is settling into his demanding new role at centre-back. Ronan put us on the road to victory with two early points and proceeded to give his usual hard working performance at midfield, putting his body on the line for the team whenever required. "Crock" made an impressive return to action in his first start of the season. Sited at wing forward, he rose high to field a number of kick-outs and used possession well - kicking three points himself and placing a number of team-mates for scores.
