ST JOSEPHS .................1-12

BELNALECK ....................1-6

St Joseph's always had the likelier look of emerging as winners in this tie played at Ederney. They had a six point advantage at the interval and they were not to be seriously pressed at any stage of the second half. In the end they were fairly comfortable against a Belnaleck team which will find it tough enough going in this division once again.

In the St Joseph's rearguard, central figures Oliver Kelly at full back and Gerard McLoughlin at centre half were both impressive and there was to be admirable support forthcoming from Finnbarr Gillen. In the centre of the park

Finnbarr McGrath delivered a rock steady effort which ensured that the Ederney attack was served up a goodly amount of possession.

For Belnaleck, Martin Quigley who opened the game operating at corner back but who was then transferred to centre half, was perhaps their most consistent presence. Dwayne McNulty at full back and Martin Baxter in the corner also showed up well for the losing side but they were to have a major problem in the forward line.

Here there was far too much dependence on Sean Lewisley and he was in fact to contribute the vast bulk of the team's final score tally.

St Joseph's made a positive start to the contest and swiftly broke through for a number of points and they then established an even stronger position with a goal, this coming from Michael McAleer at the end of the first quarter.

A well worked score this, the ball coming in from midfield via a string of neat passes and McAleer duly finished off.

Best scores of the half however were to be chipped in by Peter Cassidy who tossed over three fine scores from play.

Sean Lewisley shot three points for a struggling Belnaleck and after the changeover it was still Lewisley who was playing a relatively lone role up front for his team

St Joseph's stretched well ahead with second half scores coming from Joey Monaghan and Michael McAleer before Belnaleck brought a hint of respectability to the scoresheet with a goal from Dermot Lewisley.

Lewisley was also to add a late point as his team made a late revival but there was no question of St Joseph's being overhauled and the game was confidently won by the pacy home team.

Referee PJ Greene Irvinestown.