Mullabrack senior men travelled to Derrynoose for the opening match of the year on Sunday. The first 15 minutes proved a very scrappy affair for both sides when it was clear to see that competitive match practice was seriously lacking. The high wind was also playing a factor with numerous misses from both sides. Finally Derrynoose notched the first score from play before Stephen Murray and Gerard Agnew were guilty of glaring misses for Mullabrack. In the Mullabrack defence Gary Gorman was fielding well, however a poor pass by Paddy Toal out of defence gifted Derrynoose their second point.

 

Derrynoose then recorded 3 points on the bounce with notable wides for Mullabrack from Phelim Sands, Dara Smith, Philip Agnew and Benny Dougan. Before the end of the half Mullabrack recorded their first score from the boot of Gerard Agnew, however Derrynoose had struck out in front with a score of 7 points to one point at half time.

 

The second half proved to be a more competitive affair with Dara Smith and Martin Rice proving Mullabracks best players with the latter scoring Mullabracks second point from play after 10 minutes of the second half. Derrynoose also kept the pressure up and recorded three further scores from play and only the sharpness of Danny O’Hanlon in the Mullabrack goal stopping Derrynoose record their first goal of the campaign. Eamon Boylan and Gerard Agnew managed consolation scores for the “brack” however it was little to late with Derrynoose running out comfortable winners with a score of 14 points to 4 points. Overall it was a good first outing for Mullabrack with every player doing their bit. Mullabracks best came from Gary Gorman and Stephen Baxter in defence, Phelim Sands and Dara Smith at midfield and Martin Rice in the forward line. It was also a good day for Mullabracks keeper Danny O’Hanlon who dealt with everything that was within his reach.

 

Mullabrack team: Danny O’Hanlon, Stephen Carberry, Gary Gorman, Christopher Dougan, Stephen Baxter, Martin Rice, John Conlon, Dara Smith, Phelim Sands, Philip Agnew, Gerard Agnew, Stephen Murray, Eamon Boylan, Benny Dougan, Paddy Toal. Subs: Sean Henry, Stephen Sands.