We travelled to Castletown Geoghegan on Saturday evening last to take on Kilbeggan in Round 3 of the Championship. On a bright evening for football both teams served up an entertaining battle that resulted in a five point win for Kilbeggan. The crucial score of this game came mid way through the second half when Kilbeggan scored a goal after Bun were harshly penalised for over-carrying when coming out of defence.

The first half was an entertaining battle with both teams going toe to toe. Kilbeggan opened the scoring from the throw in but Bun settled quickly with Cian Tighe getting our opening score after been set up by Barry O Mara. Darragh Lyons added a second point from a free after it was brought forward for dissent before Kilbeggan equalised straight away from play. 

Bun were starting to get on top of the kicks outs and the breaks at this point. Dave Newman, Matt Hope and Simon Moorehead all made telling turn overs. Darragh Lyons, Cian Tighe and Ronan Scally all kicked fine points from play on the back of these crucial turn overs.

Kilbeggan kept the scoreboard ticking over and a fine two point effort kept them in front as the half edged to a close. Cian Tighe and Ken Conroy again added brilliantly points from play after patient and controlled football from Bun. The half time score read Bun 0:07 Kilbeggan 0:09. 

Bun started the second half brightly and a fine Barry O Mara effort reduced the deficit to one. Kilbeggan responded with a point from play to stretch the lead before the crucial score of the game arrived. As Bun turned over the ball in they defence, they set about on an attack when they were inexplicably blown for over-carrying. A quick tap and go from Kilbeggan set up a goal chance for their forward to palm to the net. 

Bun responded to this set back as best they could. Darragh Lyons kicked a point after been set up by Trian Leslie. Bun put a lot of pressure on the Kilbeggan defence and were awarded with two frees which Darragh Lyons converted. Kilbeggan responded with two of their own before Andy Whitney was very unlucky to see his rasping shop just clear the crossbar when it could just as easily nestled in the back of the net. As Bun piled on the pressure, Kilbeggan broke to kick the insurance score and record a 1:14 to 0:12 win. 

Bun have many positives to take from this game. They tore into it with an intensity and commitment that matches their opponents throughout the game. They also created plenty of scoring opportunities and with a bit more luck would have converted more. Added to this, Trian, Caolan, Andy and Brian all made important contributions from the bench. Lest we forget, Tommy Murphy made a solid contribution when called on to replace the injured Alan Manning in goal for the final twenty minutes! Next up is St. Paul’s in two weeks! 

Team: Alan Manning, Conor Newman, Simon Moorehead, Ronan Scally, Matthew Hope, David Newman, Enda Newman, John Kiernan, Aidan Finnan, Luke Kiernan, Ken Conroy, Mark Donnelly, Cian Tighe, Darragh Lyons & Barry O Mara. Subs: Trian Leslie for M. Donnelly, Tommy Murphy for A. Manning, Caolan Fulham for E. Newman, Andy Whitney for C. Tighe, Brian Maguire for L. Kiernan, Finian Newman, Gavin Lyons, Eoin McGowan, Liam Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell, Gordon Medforth, William Medforth & Paul Connaughton.