Balla blow Gaels away in local derby

MAYO SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Balla 3-15 

Mayo Gaels 1-9

In Mayo Abbey

In a meeting of two neighbouring clubs, a large turnout flocked to Abbey Park but on the field it was plain-sailing for the visitors. 

It was the hosts who started best with scores coming from Ronan Commons and two frees from John Gallagher. The visitors got up and running after Gary Mc Hale wisely fisted over with ten minutes played. 

Remarkably, the men in Maroon got into gear and blitzed their neighbours hitting 2-6 without reply. The first goal came from a direct run by corner back Jude Clarke, although a deflection took place, Clarke will claim the three pointer. Moments later, Ryan Fadden followed up with a well taken goal as Balla flexed their muscles. 

Going in at the break, Balla led 2-7 to Mayo Gaels’ 0-4.

Within the opening five minutes, the umpires waved the orange flag on three occasions. First up was Ethan Henry who tried to rally momentum for the Gaels, but Balla hit back as Brian O’Donovan and David Dolan booted over from outside the arc.

It was plain-sailing for Alan Nolan and Declan Sweeney’s men as they continued towards victory. Mayo Gaels reduced the deficit as substitute Padraig Jennings claimed their only goal of the evening. 

However, it was Balla who finished best with points coming from Patrick Mc Hale. This year’s Mayo U-20 Oisin Cronin was impressive throughout as the Gaels struggled to contain the speedy Cronin.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.