OFFALY v LAOIS
Offaly had a great start to their Celtic Challenge campaign with a win over Laois last night in Birr.
J J O’Brien was the only change made to the starting 15, who replaced Gearoid McCormack due to a sudden injury which also resulted in Peter Cleary stepping into the centre back position. Peter Cleary rose to the challenge and was outstanding gaining him the first Best and Fairest Award for Offaly.
Laois were the first to put a score on the score board but Offaly weren’t too far behind getting their first point of the match thanks to Mark Chaill’s free taken skills.
Laois had given away 12 frees to Offaly’s 7 frees in the first half which Offaly took full advantage of and ensured they would use these frees to their full potential and keep procession.
With heavy rain fall it made scoring more difficult resulting in Laois only getting one more point before half time, while Offaly put another 5 points over the bar to give them a good lead heading into the second half.
Mark Cahill scored 3 of these points while Ciaran Egan and Padraic Watkins also contributed to these scores. Half time score Offaly 0-06 Laois 0-02.
Offaly went into the second half determined to win the match and with substitutions being made early, lads knew what they had to do.
Mark Cahill added two more points to the score board while Ciaran Egan, Luke Wyer and Naill Lyons also got a point each.
All 24 lads played extremely well and it is great to start off with a win under their belt. Full time score Offaly 0-11 Laois 0-05.
By Offaly PRO Thu 3rd May
