Knocknagree proved SAFC class by hammering Clyda Rovers

Knocknagree 5-17 Clyda Rovers 0-14 

Knocknagree set down a marker for the other contenders in the McCarthy Insurance SAFC by dismissing Clyda Rovers in the sunshine of Ballyclough.

After an opening 10 minutes which saw the sides trade early points the Duhallow men upped the ante, pushed through the gears with ease and had this one in the bag by half time – leading by 12: 3-9 to 0-6. Led in the scoring stakes by corner-forward Anthony O’Connor, Knocknagree piled the pressure on the Mourneabbey men netting three times in the opening period.

O’Connor was immense throughout however he was ably assisted by his full-forward colleagues, Niall and Denis O’Connor as well as corner-back Michael O’Mahony and centre-back Donal O’Mahony, both bagged goals in the first half set up by the talented number 15. Timmy O’Connor and Eoghan McSweeney also showed well.

For Clyda, the full-forward line of David Cooney, Conor Flanagan and Cian Walsh all scored as well as a brace from Kevin Graham but that six-point haul was never going to be enough to keep them in touch.

Eoin and Aidan Walsh also showed as did Colin Kelly, but the trio spent most of the first half chasing shadows, Knocknagree rampant for 20 minutes.

It was a long afternoon for Clyda Rovers in the sunshine thanks to a Knocknagree side that just kept on piling on the pressure and the scores, even the keeper, Patrick Doyle getting in on the act with a solid 45.

The second half may again have been bossed by the victors but Clyda’s corner-forward Eoin Walsh held up his end of the deal with some scintillating frees and a couple of tasty points from play, with Cork star Conor Corbett watching on after another cruciate injury.

Anthony O’Connor signed off his afternoon with his second goal before Denis O’Connor in the other corner bagged the game’s fifth and final goal on 50 minutes – the game cruising to its inevitable conclusion in front of a large attendance.

Clyda have to regroup against Newmarket trying to avoid a relegation playoff. For Knocknagree it's a top-of-the-table clash with Bishopstown awaits to see who will top the group.

Scorers for Knocknagree: A O’Connor 2-5 (0-3 f), D O’Connor 1-4, D O’Mahony, M O’Mahony 1-0 each, E McSweeney, N O’Connor 0-2 each, G Looney, Tadgh O’Mahony, P Doyle (45), Timmy O’Connor 0-1 each.

Clyda Rovers: E Walsh 0-6 (0-3 f, 0-1 m), K Graham 0-3, C Flanagan 0-2, C O’Sullivan, D Cooney, C Walsh 0-1 each.

KNOCKAGREE: R Doyle; M O’Mahony (c), K Buckley, G O’Connor; G Looney, D O’Mahony, T O’Connor; T O’Mahony, DV O’Connor; M Dilworth, E McSweeney, M McSweeney; DR O’Connor, N O’Connor, A O’Connor. 

Subs: J Dennehy for M Dilworth (34), D Moynihan for N O’Connor (50), D Twomey for A O’Connor (52).

CLYDA ROVERS: S Dennehy; E Walsh, C Kenny, M Forde; C O’Reilly, G Deane, A Walsh; D Walsh, A Kelly (c); C Kelly, C O’Sullivan, K Graham; D Cooney, C Flanagan, C Walsh. 

Subs: N Hanley for M Forde (h-t); C Buckley for C Walsh (42), P Ryan for C O’Reilly (50), S O’Sullivan for D Cooney (53), J Buckley for A Kelly (59).

Referee: B Sweeney (Erins Own)