Longwood ignited what they hope will be a strong finish to their league campaign, with a comprehensive victory over Gaeil Colmcille on Sunday morning.

With the rain holding off, the game took place in near perfect conditions on Longwood’s home pitch.

Longwood assumed control from the start with Damien Healy and Harry Hogan particularly prominent.  Hogan set the wheels in motion, finishing to the net in clinical style after a powerful run.  

The home team were competing strongly for kick-outs, securing plenty of possessions, many of which resulted in early scores.   Points from Damien Healy and Hogan preceded an orange flag from an Anthony Healy enabling Longwood to assume control which, barring a brief period after half-time, they would maintain for the duration of the contest. 

Further first half goals from captain Niall Mulvey and Gavin Griffith saw the home team take a 3-11 to 0-2 lead to the interval.

Credit to Gaeil Colmcille who upped the ante after the break and dominated the opening exchanges of the second half.  They tagged on 2-2 before Longwood awoke from their slumber.

An excellent point from Bob Maguire seemed to turn the tide and Longwood kicked for home.   Two goals within the space of little over a minute, both from the impressive Anthony Healy, sealed the points for Longwood and they controlled the final ten minutes with a degree of comfort.

Special mention to Harry Leigh who made his first appearance for our first team, and certainly didn’t look out of place.

Longwood: Kevin Maguire, Sean Carpenter, Niall Mulvey (1-0), Bob Maguire (0-1), Brian Stagg (0-1), Tomas O’Brien, Fearghal O’Hare (0-1), Damien Healy (0-4), Sean Sheridan, Ciaran Sheridan, Harry Hogan (1-4), Gavin Griffith (1-0), Ben McLoughlin, Anthony Healy (2-6), Adrian Maguire.  Subs: Harry Leigh for Sean Carpenter, Josh Meagher for Sean Sheridan, Sean Coloe for Ben Mcloughlin, Cian O’Sullivan, Sandijs Buls

Next up for Longwood is a trip to Kilberry on Thursday evening where we will face Wolfe Tones in Division 3 of the senior hurling league.