Third quarter burst decisive as Ballivor survive

Ballivor 2-13

Drumbaragh 1-14

It was a lot closer than expected, but Ballivor held on to get over the line in their IFC relegation semi-final against Drumbaragh at Martry on Thursday evening of last week.

Drumbaragh got off to a decent start with Liam Ward opening the scoring, but three two-pointers, two for Ballivor, put the south Meath side in command with Jamie Kavanagh and Nicky Potterton giving their side a narrow advantage despite Hughie Corcoran's two-pointer.

That advantage didn't last long as Conor Lynch went of a scoring burst, bagging a fine goal and adding a point before a second two-pointer from Corcoran put Drumbaragh firmly in control before Brendan McKeon replied for Ballivor with a point to close the deficit to 0-6 to 1-6 at the break.

The third quarter belonged to Ballivor with Drumbaragh adding just one point in that spell as the south Meath men had points from McKeon and Conal Diggins and a two-point free from goalkeeper Thomas Raleigh to draw level, 0-10 to 1-7.

Willian Carry and Jake Madden restored Drumbaragh's lead, but then Ballivor made a cut for home as Potterton found the net from a narrow angle and Edward Dunne added a second goal after a Garry Sherrock point to put six points between the sides.

The closing minutes were all about Corcoran as he kicked a two-pointer and three single scores to drag his side back into contention, but Potterton settled Ballivor with the closing score as they held on to secure their status and leave Drumbaragh with a must win game against Bective/Blackhall Gaels.

Scorers: Ballivor: Nicky Potterton 1-3; Brendan McKeon 0-4; Edward Dunne 1-0; Thomas Raleigh, Jamie Kavanagh 0-2 each; Gary Sherrock, Conal Diggins 0-1 each; Drumbaragh: Hughie Corcoran 0-9; Conor Lynch 1-1; Jake Madden 0-2; Liam Ward, William Carry 0-1 each.