The Emmets travelled south to Crossmaglen on Sunday to take on the Rangers seconds, a team Clonmore have always struggled to overcome in the past. It was the home side which started best, awarded a free from the throw in which was duly converted. The home side added another soon after but then a ball over the top was well read by James Grimley who lifted the Cross goal. Cross went on to register a number of wides before Clonmore knuckled down and pushed forward with points from Raymond McBennett and 2 from Grimley. Scores were made possible by good play from Raymond Convie, Paul McNamee and Tony McGeown. The Rangers pegged back 2 points before Chris Convie set up Raymie McBennett for his second. A Clonmore free on 30 minutes was converted by James Grimley but then confusion in defence almost gifted a goal only for Paul McNamee who was on hand to clear the ball. Brendan Donaghy had the last say of the half, adding a point to leave score at the break; Crossmaglen II 0.04, Clonmore 1.06
The Emmets came out to dominate the second half, starting with 3 quick points 2 from Brendy Donaghy and another from Grimley. Ruairi Cunningham then broke a ball goalward which was finished off by Chris Convie into the net. A minute later a long run by Raymond Convie looked to have been in vain when he was closed down, however Raymie McBennett was first to react when the ball broke loose and skilfully took it on his toe to score Clonmore's 3rd goal. The hosts added a point but with 14 points between the sides they were now intent on looking for goals and the Clonmore defence had a fair bit of pressure to deal with. An incoming ball fell loose and was pulled to give the Rangers the goal, a great save by John Grimley was kept in play and another save this time by Joe Donaghy, Cross were then awarded a penalty which went wide. Yet another shot on goal was saved with Stephen Donaghy on hand to clear the lines. Clonmore added a point from Brendan Donaghy deep into time added on but their was still time for the hosts to reply with a point some 7 minutes into injury time before the long whistle.
Final score Crossmaglen II 1.06, Clonmore 3.10
A great result for Clonmore and some good performances turned in. In addition to those already mentioned this was a good game for Ruairi Cunningham, Joe Prunty and James Fox. On the down side too many times more than one player jumped for high balls only to give away possession to a waiting opposition player.
Coming Sunday Clonmore play neighbours Collegeland in Clonmore. All support is welcome.