Ballinderry Shamrocks

DERRY champions Ballinderry are still firmly on course to retain their Ulster Club MFC title after another Christmas cracker in the Greengate-sponsored tournament semi-final yesterday.The Shamrocks beat off a stout challenge from Armagh lads Pearse Og to edge through to the decider on a 1-8 to 0-6 ticket before a big crowd at St Paul’s Complex, Shaw’s Road.

But they had to survive a determined bid from the losers before qualifying for the New Year’s Day decider.

Both teams were hit by injuries with Pearse Og the worst off.

Star performer Barry Gordon was unable to start the game but did enter the action during the second half and contributed a point to his side’s stern challenge.

Also struggling because of injury was the Armagh side’s captain and full-forward Paul McKiernan, but he managed to complete the match.

Ballinderry can thank a resolute fullback line of Vivian Bell, Paul McIvor and Kevin McGuckian for this victory. The trio were outstanding, with their continuous blocking of the ball a major feature of the play.

McIvor’s fielding was also spectacular while goalkeeper James Conway brought off a couple of exciting catches and clearances.

Another feature of Ballinderry’s play was the fact that all their scores came from play, however the attack was also guilty of some wild shooting.

They missed the posts 13 times, nine of those wides chalked up in the first half when they had the wind at their backs.

The Derry boys led by six points to two at the half-time but Pearse Og never let them out of their sights.

The losers battled bravely throughout and at times rattled Ballinderry with extreme pressure but that excellent fullback line stood firm and can take a lot of credit for this win.

Indeed, the Pearse Og defence was also rock steady under pressure while their midfielder Declan McAuley did all he could to prevent defeat.

Darren McGeehin, at right half-forward, also had an excellent hour despite not getting his name on the scoresheet.

The game wasn’t decided until the last minute of the match when Shane Rocks, a dressing room replacement for the injured Cathal Cassidy, cracked home Ballinderry’s goal to put five points between the teams.

Even then Pearse Og fought back but time was against them and Ballinderry are through to next week’s final against either Clontibret or Eglish.

The Monaghan and Tyrone champions play their semi-final today at Shaw’s Road (2.00) with Padraig Mullan in charge.

A notable point from yesterday’s game was the superb refereeing of Gerry McClory who kept the game flowing and well under control.

Ballinderry scorers: S Rocks (1-1), D Conway (0-3), T Muldoon (0-1), J Bell (0-1), C McCusker (0-1), C Gilligan (0-1).

Pearse Og: Declan McAuley (0-2), Darren McAuley (0-2), S Duffy (0-1), B Gordon (0-1).

Referee: G McClory (Antrim).