Lucan Sarsfields 1-6 – Ranelagh Gaels 1-7

Eamon Coutney proved to be Ranelagh’s saviour yesterday kicking the winning point with minutes to go and leaving the field with 1 -02 to his name out of his side’s total of 1- 07.

Just reward for Moyners who has played with the Gaels since day one yet looks as sprightly as ever !!

Lucan away has always been a tricky assignment and so it proved yesterday as the Gaels once again raced away into a sizeable lead yet still had to rely on a match winning point to take the league points back to Ranelagh. The Gaels now find themselves sitting on top of AFL 9 and can now concentrate on the upcoming championship match with Naomh Mearnog.

Ranelagh played exceptionally well in the first half and the home side had no answer to them in attack or defence. Enda Jer and Alan Kelly points sandwiched a goal for Moyners after a fine flowing move the length of the field. Ranelagh defended well in the first half with James Galvin putting the clampers on the Lucan dangerman and the rest of the defence mopping up any Lucan attacks with great determination. At half time the Gaels led by 1-06 to 0-02.

Lucan made a few switches at midfield and centre half forward which helped them begin to fight back. Ranelagh still had a good share of possession though and should have put the game beyond Sarsfields but for some hesitation and poor shooting.

There was then a lengthy delay due to an injury picked up by Ronan Murphy, the Gael’s corner back. As he challenged for a ball he seemed to catch his studs in the turf and seriously damaged his knee. Ronan had to be stretchered from the field and an ambulance had to take him to hospital. Unfortunately Ronan will be out for some time and we all wish him well in his recovery. Thanks must be extended to the Lucan Sarsfield’s club at this point for the manner in which they helped to look after Ronan and the concern they showed for him. True sportsmen and a credit to their club.

The game recommenced and Ranelagh seemed to lose concentration as Lucan hit a further 1-02 to make it 1-06 apiece. However Ranelagh managed to stem the tide and feed Moyners who did the necessary.

All in all this is a very satisfying result for Ranelagh who remain unbeaten in the league. Conor in goal , James and John Daly in Defence , Brian at mid -field along with Moyners in attack all had good afternoons. The lack of concentration which allowed Lucan back into the game is a concern however and will be something to work on ahead of next weeks championship match in Portmarnock.