Honours even in blustery Mayo IFC opener between Lahardane and Ardnaree
Lahardane MacHales 0-14
Ardnaree Sarsfields 1-11
NINE points adrift at half-time, Lahardane MacHales produced a second-half surge to wrestle a draw from a contest that had more often than not looked beyond them.
It was Ardnaree who had the wind in the first half and they made it count. Ethan Convey was truly prolific for the Sarsfield's men, racking up eight points before the break, while John Timlin’s poacher’s goal on 30 minutes left Lahardane staring at a 1-8 to 0-2 deficit.
Eddie Conroy’s men were dealt a further blow after a James Maughan black card, but even allowing for the numerical disadvantage, Lahardane looked short of answers against a gallant Ardnaree.
The restart brought a shift in mood as the hosts had their chance to play with the Nephin gale behind them.
James Maughan returned to the field and immediately landed Lahardane’s first point from play. Matthew Maughan then fisted a fine effort over the bar shortly after as Lahardane begun to find their groove.
A Shane Finnerty score and an Eoin Fergus two-pointer from an acute angle meant Conroy’s men began to eat into the lead.
Barry Leonard’s acrobatic heroics in goal, twice denying Cathal Noone from point-blank range kept them in the hunt.
Approaching the hour mark, the nine-point gap was down to a single score. Then, deep into additional time, Finnerty struck what felt like the winner to push Lahardane 0-14 to 1-10 ahead.
But Ardnaree weren’t finished.
With the clock in the red, Noone helped his club escape breezy Bofeenaun with a point.
Elsewhere in the group, Ballinrobe face Castlebar Mitchels ‘B’ on Sunday at 12.30 p.m.