We returned to Milltown on Friday night last for Round 4 of the Championship where we took on Moate. This was a much different game than Monday with defences coming out on top in what was a low scoring game. That won’t bother Bun however as they left with the two points on offer when they recorded a 1:09 to 0:09 win. 

Moate were first off the mark with an early point and could have extended their lead but the effort went narrowly wide of the post. Bun responded to the early Moate pressure with a brilliant score. Dave Newman made a strong run forward before setting Matt Hope free who in turn found the lung bursting run of Simon Moorehead in space before Simon applied a brilliant finish low to the net. It would prove to the defining score of the game as Bun were never behind on the scoreboard after this.

A fine run from Shane McGovern found Mark Donnelly and he laid off to Ronan Scally who clipped a great score. Ken Conroy then got in on the act with a brilliant kick off his left after Enda Newman set him up. Moate responded with a point from a free before Barry O Mara replied with an effort from play after great work from Moorehead.

Moate then kicked two more frees to close the gap but the lively Enda Newman picked up a break to fire over on the run. The half time score read 1:04 to 0:04.

As the second half started a strong wind favouring Moate picked up. A scrappy opening led to a number of missed opportunities for both teams. A strong run forward from Noel Yourell found Ken Conroy in space to fire over his second of the day. It was a vital score to help settle the nerves.

Moate then enjoyed a purple patch for ten minutes and kicked three points to reduce the deficit to one point. A Barry O Mara free after a brilliant piece of play from the tireless Luke Kiernan resulted in him being fouled. Moate responded instantly before Ronan Scally kicked his second point of the game to pile the pressure on Moate.

As the game entered the final few minutes the Bun subs of Peter Tormey, Padraig Walsh, Brian Maguire, Andy Whitney and Gavin Lyons made telling contributions. Two more Barry O Mara frees closed the game out for Bun who recorded a three point victory at the final whistle.

There were strong performances all over the pitch for Bun. Dave, Conor, Ronan, Matt, John and Shane all defended brilliantly and they will be happy with their evenings work. At midfield Noel and Simon worked tirelessly to secure possession. Luke, Enda and Finian covered every blade of grass and their substitutions were testament to the amount of work they put in. Up top Barry and Kenny were always a threat and kicked crucial scores to keep the score board ticking. Next up is Ballinagore in two weeks.

Footnote: Before the game a minutes silence was held in remembrance of Michael Keane who passed away on Wednesday. 

Team: Liam Mitchell, Conor Newman, Dave Newman, Ronan Scally, Matt Hope, John Kiernan, Shane McGovern, Noel Yourell, Simon Moorehead, Finian Newman, Enda Newman, Luke Kiernan, Mark Donnelly, Barry O Mara & Ken Conroy. Subs: Peter Tormey for M. Donnelly, Padraig Walsh for N. Yourell, Brian Maguire for L. Kiernan, Andy Whitney for F. Newman, Gavin Lyons for E. Newman, Eoin McGowan, Joe Tormey, Darragh McCormack, Aidan Finnan & Darragh Lyons.