Burrishoole burst Bonni’ bubble to pick up impressive win

Burrishoole 1-18

Bonniconlon 0-8

McGovern Park

Coming into this one, the column inches dedicated to this one described it as a real test for Burrishoole.

Bonniconlon were considered, after all, a step up from Moygownagh and a serious contender to hoist Pete McDonnell aloft.

However, the home side silenced any doubters with a clinical Act Two to send out a statement to all comers and lay down a marker that they intend to spend the minimum time operating in the Junior Championship.

Adam Rehill was a cut above, while Fintan McManamon turned on the style to bring their Saturday afternoon adversaries back down to earth.

Patrick Chambers, Adam Rehill, and Fintan McManamon reeled off early singles for the McGovern Park hosts before the men donned in sky blue were able to alter the arithmetic from the boot of Brian O’Malley.

Bonni’ were rigid in terms of snuffing out a lot of the threats of last season’s relegated boys. However, when it came to posing a threat themselves, they would be kicking themselves, with nine mis-placed shots and plenty of attacks breaking down across the half-hour.

The hosts, meanwhile, weren’t spectacular, but they were able to keep widening the gap. Captain Colin Guilfoyle curled over a beautiful two-pointer with the outside of the right, before Rehill doubled his tally after a one-two with Fintan McManamon.

Fans at the clubhouse didn’t see many flags risen in the first half.

However, due to their robust defensive work, they were only four behind at the break after O’Malley added a second and full-forward Sean Neary arced between the sticks in quick succession to add a level of competitiveness to proceedings.

Rehill and Neary traded blows, before a lazer-like free from Rehill prompted an orange flag.

Sean Neary did manage to point for Bonniconon, but prior white singles from Rehill and McManamon had the gap at eight.

The travelling troops did try and go for broke with eight between the sides, but that left chinks in the armor as the Clew Bay-siders stretched their legs.

There was a sniff of goal as Collins and McManamon had a two-v-one opportunity, but the former’s effort was high and wide.

That wasn’t stopping them sticking it over the black spot, though, as Caolan Moran and McManamon had it out to ten with as many minutes to be played.

Brian O’Malley kept a glimmer of hope with a two-point free. However, when Eoghan Greevy was shown black for remonstration, that put the tin hat on it.

After McManamon was upended for a penalty, Rehill cooly dispatched to truly seal the deal.

A full report will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News