Eskra 2-19 Augher 0-15

A superb second half performance, from Eskra, which included scoring 1-14 without reply was enough to see off the challenge of near neighbours Augher, in the Preliminary round of the Connollys of Moy Junior championship, in Clogher.

Augher were the better side in the opening quarter and deservedly led 6-2. Darragh Kavanagh with a brace, a two point free from Pascal Gormley and Finnbar McElroy and Jarlath McNamee on target.

The introduction of Peter Hughes had an immediate impact. Eskra settled into the game with Hughes involved in scores for Cormac Hughes and Jonathan Hackett.

A further two pointer from Gormley and a point from Odhran McGinn extended the lead to four.  Eoin McEvoy converted a free in the 25th minute and in the following attack he supplied the pass for Jonathan Hackett to fire to the net. Kavanagh replied for Augher and they probably should have finished the half with a goal but McElroy’s shot was saved by McCarroll.

Dara Donnelly opened the second half with a sweetly struck two pointer in the opening minute to stretch the lead to four but this was to be their last score for twenty nine minutes.

Eskra’s response was emphatic, Rory Kinsella pointed a quick fire  brace from Cormac Hughes and an Eoin McEvoy free had them level within six minutes.  Joe McCarroll had Eskra in front for the first time in the 37th minute a two pointer from McEvoy extended the advantage before half backs Jonathan Hackett and Rory Kinsella supplied the next three points.

As the game entered its final quarter Augher ran their bench but they couldn’t stem the tide with Go man of the match Eoin McEvoy bringing his tally to 0-8 and a fourth point from Rory Kinsella put ten between them. The lively Cormac Hughes added the icing with a 56th minute goal at the second attempt as Eskra ran out convincing winners.  Augher did kick the final three points of the evening but it was mere consolation as Eskra will face favourites Fintona in the next round.