IN THE first group game of the championship a few weeks back, St John’s edged a very close contest by the minimum. However, since that game Backaderry have won their remaining two group ties and their semi-final.
Backaderry were slow to get going but by the first water-break led by two points. It was nip and tuck the whole of the first half and by half time Backderry managed to extend their lead to four points.
Liam McEvoy landed a monstrous point from play before Caolan Flanagan grabbed 1-2 with Brogan Clarke and Dillon Steele (1-1 each) also on target for Backderry.
Niall Quinn and Oran Clarke worked hard to keep the dangerous St John’s forwards at bay. Ryan Croskery was very vocal in nets with good distribution from his restarts.
Half time: St John’s 1-3 Bac an Doire 2-4.
The game really opened up in the second half with Backaderry outscoring St John’s 4-5 to 2-5.
The wide open spaces of Drumaness St Colman’s Pairc suited the ball carriers and both sides had some players very adept at this skill.
Backaderry found themselves six points ahead by the second half water-break and were playing well. James McAleenan, Conor McCartan and Ryan Quinn were prominent in defence.
Lorcan Clancy and Liam McEvoy were full of industry in midfield while up front Caolan Flanagan, Dillon Steele, Brogan Clarke and Shea King were linking up well.
A goal from Brogan Clarke eventually put nine points between the sides but St John’s weren’t throwing in the towel just yet.
They regained their impetus as two goals brought them back within three points and it was game on. As the game moved into the last ten minutes, the next score was going to be crucial.
Lorcan Clancy saw a pile driver well saved by the St John’s ‘keeper but he reacted well to steer over for the point, a crucial score.
Clancy was getting stronger as the game wore on and it was his running power that the St John’s defence found hard to contain.
Dillon Steele then got his second major of the game to put Backaderry on the front foot again and it was a cracking finish. St John’s, to their credit, continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
A quick fire brace of goals from young Shea King finally ended St John’s resistance.
Darragh Malone and Ben Feenan came off the bench for Shea King and Brogan Clarke and both linked well with Feenan unlucky not to score.
Jude Lenaghan also made an appearance for the superb Odhran Doyle as Backaderry saw the game out for a fantastic win.
Final score: St John’s 3-8 Bac an Doire 6-9.
Bac an Doire: R Croskery, N Quinn, J McAleenan, C McCartan, O Clarke, O Doyle, R Quinn, Clancy (0-1), L McEvoy (0-1), S King (2-0), B Clarke (1-1), D Steele (2-2), C Flanagan (1-4, 2f)
Subs: D Malone, B Feenan,J Lenaghan, M Murphy, J Rice, S Boden Hall, D Steen, C Owens, E Croskery, T Lennon, R Quinn
St John’s 3-8
Bac an Doire 6-9
CHAMPIONSHIP