Saval setback for Clann na Banna

Clann na Banna 0-08

CLANN na Banna’s good start to the season suffered a setback with a heavy defeat away to Saval.

Although fielding without three first choice players Banbridge were outclassed all over the field by a Saval team which was unlucky to be relegated from the first division last year

Saval were quickly off the mark and within eight minutes were four points clear with scores from Jonny Hughes, McConville, Sands and Cunningham. John Murphy was working hard in midfield for Bann but up front the forwards were unable to retain possession.

On 10 minutes Ruairi Gillen pointed a free to open Bann’s account but Saval struck back with further points from Sands and Lennon. Danny McAlinden worked hard to keep County star Danny Hughes scoreless but the Saval man was proving a handful and was instrumental in many of their better moves.

Banbridge moved Gillen to help the defence and the increased possession sparked a revival with Donaghy pointing a free and Gillen adding another from play. Magee and Hill became more involved and the introduction of young Conor McCusker gave Bann a better balance in attack.

They were struck a cruel blow however on the stroke of half time when Sands fisted to the net for Saval with the referee dismissing claims for a square ball.

The second half was less than a minute started when Danny Hughes pointed his first from play. Brian Donaghy replied for Banbridge with a point but five further points from Saval in quick succession dispelled any thought of a comeback. Hughes Sands and Madine all pointed for the home team to open up an 11 point gap.

Jonny Burns scored from play after a clever interception by Murphy and McCusker added another from wide on the left but the result never looked in doubt. Further points from Sands, Faloon, Jonny Hughes and Danny Hughes made sure of the result while Banbridge were confined to consolation points from Donaghy and McCusker.

Team: M McAllister, A Nelson, M Magee, A Downey; M Fairbairn, L McCrum; J Murphy, M Smyth; S McArdle, J Burns, B Donaghy; P McCambridge, R Gillen, R Hill. Subs: C McCusker, M Loughlin, B Nelson, P Bradley, G McGrath, G Quinn, L Rooney, C Quinn, D Lennon, D Brooker, T Fox, R Gartland.