Classy Rhode have too much for Moorefield

Leinster Club SFC semi-final

Rhode 1-15 Moorefield 2-4

A performance mixed with great intensity and some audacious skill saw Rhode qualify for the Leinster club final with a comprehensive win over Moorefield in Tullamore on Sunday.

The final scoreline was a fair reflection of the difference between the sides as Rhode played most of the football. They were the better side for a good three quarters of an absorbing encounter and would not have been flattered by an even bigger winning margin.

Moorefield did threaten to make it very interesting for a while in the second half. Behind by 1-9 to 1-1 after a very poor first half, Moorefield came out with all guns blazing in the second.

A penalty by Ronan Sweeney in the 43rd minute after he was pushed by Brian Darby brought them back into it and they trailed by 1-10 to 2-4 after 45 minutes.

Rhode were looking anxiously over their shoulder at this stage as the Kildare champions had serious momentum. However, they steadied the ship for the next few minutes and a Niall McNamee fisted point after a stunning piece of skill out on the right sideline settled their nerves and gave them the confidence to close it out.

That point gave Rhode a four-point lead and they went on to score the closing four points for an eight-point win. The afternoon ended on a sour note for Moorefield as they lost their discipline with Ronan Sweeney sent off for a second yellow card, while sub Daryl Flynn (his inability to start was a big blow to the losers) also came close to an early exit in injury time.

It was a hugely impressive win by Rhode who have played some great football in the Leinster campaign. They coasted to the Offaly title without unduly extending themselves but have peaked spectacularly since then.

Their first half performance in particular was as close to perfection as they have come in over a decade of dominance in Offaly.

With their star forwards, McNamee and Anton Sullivan, firing on all cylinders, they attacked the game with great gusto from the start.

They were 0-4 to 0-1 up when Sullivan put them in the driving seat with a well taken 11th minute goal. Moorefield were consigned to the role of spectators and Adam Tyrrell’s 23rd minute goal was against the run of play.

However, Rhode recovered to kick another three points before the break and their eight point half-time lead proved to be an adequate cushion.

Rhode: K Garry; J Kavanagh, E Rigney, J McPadden; C Heavey, B Darby, E Byrne; A McNamee, C McNamee; N Darby (0-3, 3f), P Sullivan, G O'Connell; P McPadden (0-1), A Sullivan (1-2), N McNamee (1-7 (3f).

Subs - S Hannon (0-1) for P Sullivan (Black card, 16m), R McNamee (0-1) for P McPadden (52m), S Sullivan for N Darby (54m).

Moorefield: T Corley; L Callaghan, G Naughton, L Healy; R Houlihan, J Murray, K Murnaghan; R Glavin, C O'Connor; A Tyrrell (1-1), R Sweeney (1-0, p),, E Heavy; E O'Connor (0-1, f), C Kelly (0-1), N Hurley-Lynch (0-1). Subs - D Flynn for Glavin (H/t), F Hanniffy for C O'Connor (51m), L Murphy for Healy (53m), K Duane for Murray (56m).

Referee: F Kelly (Longford).