Cappagh 3-15 Abbey Rangers 4 10

Well we said it would be the match of the day and so it proved.

Those supporters who made the Journey to Ballykelly last Sunday evening were treated to an Epic.

Both teams enjoyed periods of ascendancy in a game that ebbed and flowed but when the final whistle blew, it was Cappagh ahead on the scoreboard for a hard fought but well deserved victory and a place in the league final.

Abbey Rangers started the better and were 1-02 to a 0-1 ahead early on and looking dangerous every time they went forward. The Cappagh half back line of Ronan Hennessy, Daniel Sweeney and Evan Farrell were to the pin of their collars to keep tabs on the pacy Abbey Rangers half forward line. Cappaghs early score coming from a free from Aaron Clifford.

Cathal Doyle brought Cappagh back into the game with his first goal having been picked out with an intelligent ball from Eoin Mulligan. Two points from play from Shane Donohue and a point from a free from Toby McMoreland had Cappagh in front.

But typical of the game Abbey Rangers hit back with two goals and a point to establish a five point lead. Cappagh did not panic however and with Glen Carter and Jack O'Connor winning good possession on the middle third Cappagh were on the attack again and found scores through Eoin Mulligan ( 2 frees) and another two excellent scores from play from Shane Donohue.

Abbey Rangers stretched their lead to 3 points before Cathal Doyle levelled the game with his second goal to leave the half time score Cappagh 2-08 Abbey Rangers 3-05.

The second half started as the first half had ended... with a goal...but this time for the home team. Cappagh almost levelled immediately when Toby McMoreland saw his low shot fly just wide of the post. But Cappagh were showing a resilient spirit and Cathal Doyle playing with a renewed confidence kicked the next 3 points (1 free) to level the game again.

Both teams were giving it their all and the match swung from end to end with both teams kicking quality scores. Excellent defending from the Cappagh backs, marshalled by the excellent Eric O'Leary at fullback, who kept the talented Ballykelly number 14 under wraps, ably supported by the Brogan brothers Ross and Dylan in the corners forced Abbey Rangers into shooting a number of wides under pressure.

Goalkeeper Darragh Devine was a calm presence in the heated atmosphere and relieved the pressure with well placed kickouts and was secure in possession.

Jack O'Connor put Cappagh ahead with a fine score from play before Cathal Doyle put Cappagh 5 points clear when completing his hattrick of goals and tagging on a point from a free for good measure following a foul on corner forward Dylan Maguire.

Abbey Rangers replied with 2 points from their elusive number 11. The game continued point for point with Cappagh points from play from Glen Carter and Shane Donohue sandwiched between Abbey Rangers scores .

It was all hands on deck and Cappagh introduced John Grogan at corner forward to bolster the efforts.

The Cappagh lead was down to 2 and Abbey Rangers were doing all they could to salvage the game but the Cappagh defence held them out on numerous occasions. Cappagh hearts were in mouths when a thunderous drive from the home side thundered back off the post and away to safety.

But as the final whistle went their was no doubt that the Cappagh lads deserved their victory and look forward now to the Division 4 league final, following on from last years u18s who reached the Division 5 league final.

A tough task awaits in the final against a strong Rathangan team but if Cappagh play with the same determination and intelligence that they showed in the semi final they will have a real chance.

Well done to the players and management team of Donagh O'Leary, Frank Carter, Paul Sweeney and Tom Flanagan.

Details on the final to follow soon.

Cappagh team and scorers

Darragh Devine, Ross Brogan, Eric O'Leary, Dylan Brogan, Evan Farrell, Daniel Sweeney, Ronan Hennessy, Jack O'Connor (0-1), Toby McMoreland (0-1f), Eoin Mulligan (0-2f), Shane Donohue (0-5), Glen Carter (0-1), Aaron Clifford (0-1f), Cathal Doyle (3-4 (2f), Dylan Maguire, Subs John Grogan, Lughaidh Nolan, David Lynch, Ruairi Matthews