Annacurra got back to winning ways as they lined out against a strong Kilcoole team who Annacurra grabbed a late equalised in Avondale in the group stages. This was a close game the whole way through and Annacurra went into the break leading by 2 points thanks to a Frank Clune penalty after John Thompson was fouled in the box. Half time score was Annacurra 1-5, Kilcoole 6 points.

Annacurra started the more lively in the second half tagging on scores when they were needed but Kilcoole were never beaten. As Kilcoole were reduced down to 14, Annacurra used their extra man very well and work their way from their own backline up to the forward line on many occasions but sometimes they lacked conviction in front of goal as many scoreable chances went to waste. In the end they saw out the game to book themselves in a Semi Final place against local rivals Aughrim which will be played next week in Arklow.

Annacurra: Michael Doyle, Liam Moules, Ciaran Byrne, Shane MacAllister, Alan Byrne, Paul McDonald, Darren Thompson, John Thompson, Peter Clancy, Michael O Brien, Alan Horan, Frank Clune, Clive Horan , Mark O Neill, Ian Mc Donald.

Subs Used: Patrick Moules, Pierce O Brien, William Codd.

Clive Horan inspired Annacurra to a handsome twelve point win over Bray Emmetts in their Intermediate Group game on August 25th in Ashford. Annacurra’s tallismatic forward kicked 10 points to ensure Annacurra ran out rather easy winners. Bray fielded a mixture of youth and old with former Wicklow and Bray Wanderers goalkeeper John Walsh starting at number 13 and a number of minor county players also starting for the Northern outfit.

Bray started the game very lively and the opening minutes saw Annacurra and Bray exchange two points a piece before Bray midfielder Brendan Devitt kicked two frees to give the Bray men a four point to two lead. Remarkably this would be the last score that Bray would get for some 42 minutes of football. Pierce O’Brien and Peter Clancy dominated the midfield battle for the remainder of the first half and their domination aided the Annacurra forward line as Annacurra rattled over nine consecutive points before the half time whistle. Clive Horan kicked six of these with four coming from frees. A fantastic catch by Peter Clancy set of William Codd who burst through the centre of the Bray defence to kick over an impressive sweeping move. John Thompson was also catching the eye at centre forward and last years League final hero capped off one of the moves of the game with a neat move along the end line finishing with his fisted effort midway through the second half. A fine score from Clive Horan on the stroke of half time left the score at 0-11 to 0-4 in favour of Annacurra.

The second half kicked off in the same fashion as the first half ended with Mark O’Neill and Clive Horan adding points to increase Annacurra’s lead. Against the run of play, Bray were awarded a dubious penalty decision after a foul was alleged to take place inside the square. From the resulting penalty, Michael Doyle made a good save to his right pushing the ball away from his goal. A scramble ensued and another foul was conceded, this time outside the square which Brendan Devitt again duly put over. Annacurra again went on a scoring spree after this score with Clive Horan again doing damage to the Bray defence. As well as scoring Annacurra’s 14th point he also played the role of creator with a clever off load to Patrick Moules for him to score his first of the night. Annacurra were now attacking in waves and the ball rarely troubled our 45 yard line. Ian McDonald played a clever pass into Patrick Moules who added his second score in as many minutes. John Thompson was very industrious at centre forward and he added his third point of the game as it entered into it’s final minutes which was swiftly followed by Clive Horan’s tenth and Annacurra’s final point of the game. A consolation point from a Bray free left Annacurra as twelve point winners on a score of 0-18 to 0-6 and undefeated in the group so far.

Annacurra – Michael Doyle, Shane McAllister, Ciarán Byrne, Liam Moules, Paul McDonald, Michael O’Brien, Darren Thompson, Pierce O’Brien (0-1), Peter Clancy, Ian McDonald, John Thompson (0-3), William Codd (0-1), Clive Horan (0-10, 4frees), Mark O’Neill (0-1), Patrick Moules (0-2). SUBS: Michael Healy for Mark O’Neill

Annacurra deafeted Bray Emmets in their secnd Championship match. Match report will follow.