Connacht SHC/James Stephens 0-13 Athleague 2-7:JP Murray salvaged a draw for Roscommon champions Athleague with a point in the dying moments of the Connacht club hurling championship semi-final at Ballina on Saturday.
Ballina led throughout the game with centre forward Kevin Healy taking on most of the scoring responsibility, aided adequately by Barry Walsh.
Visiting side Athleague managed to get back on level terms midway through the second half when Gary Fallon fired home despite the diving efforts of the Ballina defenders.
The final moments of the game were fraught with tension as James Stephens managed to pull away again by four points with normal time coming to a close.
If Athleague had any thoughts of surrendering, half back Murray had other ideas as he pulled on a stray ball to finish into the bottom corner of the net before ensuring a replay with a shot from distance to grab the game from the jaws of defeat.
SCORERS - James Stephens: K Healy (0-5), B Walsh (0-3), J Duffy (0-2), John Tighe (0-2), K Barrett (0-1). Athleague: G Fallon (1-3), J P Murray (1-1), I Connaughton, S McGeeney and J Glennon (0-1 each).
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