A superb 2nd half performance saw Ballykinlar progress to a showpeice final with Dromara in what was a very fast and exciting semi final encounter.

Despite only leading by the minimum at the break, the Kinlar made great use of the wind advantage in the 2nd half to rip through an overworked St Pauls defence.

The Holywood side had the better share of possession in the first half. This was mainly due to the fact that Ballykinlar opted to play against the breeze. Despite scoring an early goal through Barry Melville, the Kinlar found the going tough and conceded 1-02 in the space of 8 minutes.

However, sheer persistence and efficient use of possession gained enabled the east coast side to hit four without reply through Declan Kavanagh (0-03) and Barry Melville (0-01). St Pauls then assumed control but could only raise the white flag once more before the break.

The 2nd half was a completely different story to the 1st. Declan Kavanagh was plunged in to full forward and Sean O'Rourke moved to the number 11 berth. Between them they amassed 3-07 and along with efforts from Ryan Cardwell, PJ Conlon and Brendan Cunningham, the Ballykinlar side just proved too strong for their counterparts.

The Kinlar had fifteen superb players on view on Sunday afternoon. Eamon King had his best game of the season in goals, pulling off no less than four goalbound shots. His kicking and distribution were top notch aswell. The full back line of Carville, Fitzsimons and Willoughby was impenetratable while Smith and Cardwell were sound in the half backs. Shaun and Brendan Cunningham played their hearts out up front but special praise must be reserved for Sean O'Rourke who had a field day in front of the St Pauls goals.

Dromara defeated Loughinisland in the other semi final and they will be odds on favourites to collect the trophy come finals day. In the League Dromara whopped the Kinlar by a huge 25 points and the men from the hills will be expected to do much the same come next time around.

 

Ballykinlar: E.King, M.Willoughby, R.Fitzsimons, K.Carville, C.McKee, R.Cardwell (0-01), L.Smith, B.Melville (1-01), D.Kavanagh (1-06, 1 Free), S.O'Rourke (2-04), A.Robb, B.Cunningham (0-01), S.Cunningham, B.Warnock, PJ Conlon (0-01)