IFC Round 3:  Longwood 2-12  Syddan 4-9

Longwood suffered their first defeat, in either code, of the 2018 championship season when going down by 3 points to a formidable Syddan outfit on Sunday evening last.

The game was high scoring and exciting from the off with both teams enjoying periods of dominance in each half.

Despite registering 2-12, a score that would win many a championship match, the concession of 4 goals ultimatey proved to be Longwood's undoing.  That said, the boys never dropped their heads and displayed a strength of character that has been evident all season, taking the game to their opponent right to the final whistle.

Eoin Lynch gave a powerhouse display from midfield, a somewhat unfamiliar posting due to the unfortunate suspension of Niall Mulvey, and he was ably assisted by fine displays from Anthony Healy, Paul Gill and Joey Stenson among others.

Though not the desired result, Longwood can take much from the game.  They proved, yet again, that they have what it takes to compete with any team in the IFC; it must be remembered that Syddan had finished top of Division 2 of the AFL.  So Longwood can look forward wth optimism to the remaining Group B games.  With 4 teams currently tied on 4 points each after the opening 3 rounds, places in the knock-out stages are very much up for grabs.

Longwood: Ross Healy, Paul Gill, Chris Lynch, Johnny Furey, Joey Stenson (0-1), Damien Healy, Karl Ennis, Anthony Healy (0-4), Eoin Lynch, Evan Coyle (0-1), Ryan Moore (0-4), Sean Sheridan, Aaron Ennis (1-2), Mickey Burke, David Rowley.  Subs: Wayne Leonard (1-0) for Rowley,   

Next Sunday sees the senior hurling championship revert to centre stage with Longwood scheduled to play Dunderry @ 1.00 on Sunday afternoon in Kilmessan.