Drumragh Claim Division 3A League Title

Saturday 10.06.2023

Drumragh

Drumragh lifted the under 16 Grade 3A league title on Saturday afternoon when they saw off the challenge of a very talented Stewartstown Harps side at Garvaghey on a score line of 3-9 to 0-13. (Report brought to you in association with J and K Quinns and Ghost Pizza)

Goals win matches and two goals inside the opening couple of minutes proved decisive in the outcome of this one . Player of the match Conor Gormley and Turlogh Collins both found the net with long range efforts to give Drumragh the perfect start.  A point four minutes later from Gormley helped establish a seven point gap and the Harps looked stunned.

Stewartstown dug deep and with Joseph Wylie, Conan Mc Cullagh, Rian Biggs and Michael Hughes showing the way they gradually worked their way back into the game. Points from Hogan O’Neill and Michael Hughes (2) steadied the ship before Gormley pointed for Drumragh. A fine point by Hughes and a brace from the boot of Biggs reduced the gap to two before the teams swapped points just before the break to leave the half time score Drumragh 2-3 Stewartstown 0-7.

The theme continued throughout the second half with both sides producing top quality attacking football and intense, disciplined defensive work as they strove for scores and supremacy. Stewartstown were awarded an early second half penalty which unfortunately for them struck the crossbar and went over the bar. They followed that up with a Conal Mc Cullagh point to tie the game before Drumragh hit 1-1 inside the space of a minute to go four clear once again. Turlogh Collins hit the point while Frankie Monk’s composed finish to the net put the west Tyrone side in pole position once again.

Both sides created numerous chances but both half back lines dealt brilliantly with all that was thrown at them. Aidan Mc Carney (2) and Dylan Lowry created chances before a huge point from Gormley made it 3-8 to 0-11 with ten minutes remaining.

Stewartstown threw caution to the wind and went forward in search of scores but found the Drumragh defence in uncompromising mood. A brace of points from Michael Hughes gave them hope but when Dylan Lowry plundered Drumragh’s final score Stewartstown knew the game was up. Referee Niall Conlon sounded the final whistle and Drumragh were crowned league champions on a final score of 3-9 to 0-13.