Corrib Rangers take the spoils

Mike Rafferty

The Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division was the only competition that saw any real action over the weekend as a blanket ban on games being played on all Galway City Council grounds in the City led to a much reduced programme.

However Corrib Rangers put some recent lethargy behind them with a win over Salthill Devon in a terrific contest in Drom, while at the top end of the table Athenry and Oranmore kept the pressure on the leaders Mervue United with important wins over St Bernard’s and Dynamo Blues respectively.

Salthill Devon 3Corrib Rangers 4

When these sides met in their first league meeting of the season eight weeks ago, both Barry Moran and David Smith struck hat tricks as Rangers prevailed by 7-2, and on Saturday at Drom the duo were once more the destructive force that outgunned the home side.

Spare a thought for Charlie Burke who notched a hat trick, but his haul was in vein as the home side went down with all guns blazing. From the kick-off there was something about the Rangers performance. They were sharp and had a real cutting edge about them. Moran was back from injury and alongside Smith was the usual threat.

An early sideline word from coach Ricky Flaherty confirmed “we had a good week at training and we worked on a number of things and so far they are responding”.

Worked they certainly did as Martin Connell on the left and John O’Brien wide right provided a constant supply of good inside ball, while Ollie Rafferty and Jason Smith were a constant threat going forward.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.