Durrant strikes as Ballincollig claim top spot in the league

GEORGE Durrant's goal was important as holders Ballincollig moved to the top of the Rochestown Park Hotel Division 1 Football League with a 1-10 to 0-9 win over Clonakilty yesterday.

With previous leaders Nemo not in action, Ballincollig knew that victory in a repeat of last year’s league final would take them to the summit.

Durrant’s fisted effort from Cian Dorgan’s pass helped them to a 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead and Gearóid O’Donoghue and Seán Kiely also excelled for the victors.

Colin Crowley scored two goals with Seán Fitzgerald and Mark Collins (penalty) also raising green flags as O’Donovan Rossa got their first win, 4-17 to 1-8 against Macroom.

Valley Rovers also had their first triumph when they beat Cill na Martra by 5-13 to 0-8, Adam Settini scoring three goals for the Innishannon side with Pa Hurley and Eoin O’Reilly also netting.

Cork star Stephen Sherlock scored nine points, six frees, as St Finbarr’s joined Nemo in second place thanks to an 0-18 to 0-11 win over Carbery Rangers. Michael Shields and Denis O’Brien each scored three points for the Togher side.

In the other game, Cian O’Riordan, Matthew Taylor, Eoin Stanton and Cillian O’Connor were among the scores as Mallow beat Béal Áthan Ghaorthaidh by 0-16 to 1-12.

Mark Collins scored 1-3 for Castlehaven as they drew with Newcestown in Division 2, 2-5 to 0-11.

Cathal Maguire got the other Haven goal while Carthach Keane scored four points for Newcestown.

Kiskeam are top of the table following a 1-11 to 0-10 win over Ilen Rovers while Éire Óg edged out Newmarket and Aghabullogue saw off Douglas.

Joint leaders Carrigaline and Fermoy had wins in Division 3, as did Bantry Blues and Naomh Abán.