Cumann Pheadaír Naofa 0-11
Sean Treacys, Lurgan 2-17
The seniors had their last preseason warm up this evening. With numbers limited due to work commitments and injuries, there were a few changes to take on the Lurgan side. From the start Sean Treacys went on the attack, but with Mark Murtagh in full back ably assisted by Paudie Fitzpatrick and Saran McElroy the Lurgan boys were kept well out of the danger zone, with very few chances on goal. A point from midfielder Oggy Murphy, the lively James O’Hare and Shane Rooney kept the blues in touch after the Lurgan side managed to grab the only goal of the first half. Two further points from the stick of Cathal Fagan which included a well taken free left the blues trailing by eight point at the end of the first thirty minutes.
As the blues now had the slight advantage of playing with the breeze in the second half the clean catching of Shane Rooney and Saran McElroy around the middle of the park meant the Warrenpoint side were able to lay off passes to the advancing Cathal Fagan and Mitch Murphy. The blues half back Mark Rafferty was confidently controlling any danger that came his way and laying off good ball to Conor Keenan and Oggie Murphy. Although the blues did concede another goal when a high ball into the square was pulled on giving the blues keeper no chance and points continued to be taken from distance, it was encouraging to see Cumann Pheadaír Naofa well able to keep up with their bigger and stronger opponents. To the blues credit points came from five different players in the second half as Saran McElroy, Mitch Murphy, Conor Keenan, Oggie Murphy & Cathal Fagan all registered points for their efforts.
Although Cumann Pheadaír Naofa were defeated this game was just the type of challenge the point side need with the opening fixture of the 2016 Ulster Tain League set for next Saturday in Páirc Liam Uí Ir.
CPN Scorers: Cathal Fegan 0-4, Brian Og Murphy 0-2, James O’Hare 0-1, Saran McElroy 0-1, Conor Keenan 0-1, Shane Rooney 0-1, Mitch Murphy 0-1
