An explosive start from Gers was rewarded with a goal in the first minute from Cian Spaight. Gers have been slow starters in recent games but not this time out, and played brilliantly in stormy conditions, limiting St. Mary’s scoring opportunities in the first half and competing well in every position of the field. Good scores were taken by both sides, a goal from Jamie Soraghan and 3 points from Shayne Soraghan, but St. Mary’s were more clinical, finishing the half with 4-5 to Gers 2-3, with Gers having failed to convert 4 good point opportunities in front of the posts. (Half time; Gers 2-3 Marys 4-5). The team had set up as they had for the previous 3 games, playing with a sweeper to combat the attacking capabilities of very strong opposition, and it was clear from their performance that they were a lot more comfortable and confident than they had been in earlier rounds, playing with speed and composure. In previous rounds, Gers had also suffered badly from not winning ball possession from their own kick-outs, reaching lows of 28% of balls won. A lot of work had gone on off the field into ensuring that Gers could compete for, win and retain possession from their own kick-outs, and the effort certainly paid off. Gers won 75% of their kick-outs on the night with quick and clever distribution from keeper Cian O’Donoghue and alert movement and excellent fielding from halfbacks, midfielders and half forwards, giving the team the platform to mount their own attacks. The second half remained competitive and it was only towards the latter stages after the water break, that St. Mary’s began to pull away. Gers scored 1-3, which included a good point from Donnacha Halpenny towards the end of the game, but as per the first half, Gers left several scores behind, with 4 clear point opportunities again not taken and a certain goal saved brilliantly by the Mary’s keeper. The game finished 3-6 to 7-12, St. Mary’s finishing with a dominant final quarter. Gers will reflect on a tough campaign which saw them get stronger as each game passed, and once again went home with their heads held high. (Full time; Gers 3-6 Marys 7-12). Every one of the players gave their all on the night and were superb. A special mention to Alex Durnin, who was asked to play a role in the half forward line that was set up to limit the movements of an Ardee playmaker. The fitness, physicality and effort that he showed had the match of the player that he was asked to keep quiet. Those DkIT runs certainly paid off! Cian O’Donoghue, Jarlaith Purcell, Ruadhán Joyce, James Harrington, Callum Boothman, Shay Neary, Cathal Fee, Shayne Soraghan (1-3), Michael Kerley, Cian Spaight (1-1), Alex Durnin, Cian Farrell, Jamie Soraghan (1-1), Padraic Fennessy, Donnacha Halpenny (0-1), Oisín O’Rourke, Liam Whately.