Mayo hurlers make it two from two

By Stuart Tynan

Mayo continued their perfect start in Division 2B of the Allianz Hurling League after seeing off Roscommon on a scoreline of 1-20 to 1-9 at Dr. Hyde Park.

All square at the first water break at 0-3 apiece, Mayo upped the intensity and six unanswered points before half-time (two from Keith Higgins, frees from Gerard Kelly and Shane Boland and points from Kieran Kiely and Cathal Freeman) saw Mayo take a 0-11 to 0-5 lead at the break.

Roscommon's Jack Lohan fired into the net from close range at the start of the second half to halve the deficit, but were then dealt a huge blow moment after full-back Sean Trundle was sinbinned after bringing down Shane Boland when he was through on goal.

Mayo made full use of their man advantage and a fortuitous goal from Keith Higgins, after Roscommon goalkeeper Enda Lawless fumbled the Ballyhaunis man's point effort which dropped short, gave the Rossies too big a mountain to climb.

Mayo will look to strengthen their promotion chances even further as they make the long trip to Letterkenny this Sunday to face Donegal in what will be a repeat of last year's Nicky Rackard Cup final.

Mayo: G. Kelly (0-1f), S. Coyne, M. Morley, S. Kenny, J. Cassidy, P. McCrann (0-2f), D. Kenny, K. Kiely (0-1), D. Huane, A. Phillips (0-1), C. Freeman (0-3), S. Regan, J. Coyne, K. Higgins (1-5, 0-3 65’, 0-1f), S. Boland (0-4, 0-3f).

Subs: B. Morley (0-1), C. Scahill (0-2), C. Henry, E. Delaney, B. Hunt, B. Douglas, C. Murray.

Roscommon: E. Lawless, P. Dolan, D. Fallon, S. Trundle, E. Costello (0-1), P. Kellehan, E. Coyle, C. Dolan (0-5, 0-3f), B. McGahon, O. Coyle (0-1), C. Kenny, N. Connaughton, A. Finnerty (0-1), C. Mulry, J. Lohan (1-0).

Subs: J. Kilkenny, A. Lyons, D. Treacy, C. Kennelly, D. Heavey, K. Egan, S. Naughton (0-1).

Ref: R. McGann (Clare)

*You can read the full match report in this Tuesday's print edition.