Game 1: Balaga 9 - Ma dulleas 3

New signings prove their worth as Balaga move top of the league after first game.

Balaga started off with a cautious team. Damo was between the sticks, Kevin Broderick, John Duggan and Phil O' Driscoll in defence, Stephen Parker and Rory Browne in midfield, and Webz up front... Captain Tom O' Callaghan started on the sideline, while Graham Deane was nowhere to be seen.

Browne's tidy finish from some early scrappy play got Balaga off the mark first. Then O'Driscoll showed great skill to dribble through Ma's defence and put a beautiful strike through the back of the net. O'Callaghan's low long range effort took a slight deflection and nestled in the bottom corner to make it 3. The fourth came from an attacking throw in, O'Callaghan spotted a fantastic run by Broderick behind Ma's defence, his throw to the centre of the box was met by Broderick. His header from yards out was unstoppable.

Not much was known of the opposition Ma Dulleas, except that its a pub in Balleypheane. But they provided stern opposition in the first half, scoring 3 goals. Although these may have to go down as poor defending on Balagas behalf Damo Kennedy was strong for Balaga on a night when the weather was horrific for goalkeepers.

In the second half it was a different story defencively, with Duggan more comfortable in his new team, Damo solid, and both Broderick and O'Callaghan battling at the back. Balaga would not concede another goal.

But it is was O'Driscoll, Browne, Parker and Webz, who will get the plaudits. Some awesome movement and quick play resulted in 2 second half goals for Parker who was fed by O'Driscoll. The second was sublime as the pair shared 4 passes before Parker slotted home easily. Then it was Webz's turn. With Browne creating great space for himself on the right he created 3 consecutive chances for webz who was able to slot home 2 and just missed out on his Hat-Trick. Duggan moving into midfield towards the end finished the game off as he passed a rebound into the net from 3 yards out after Webz had a shot saved.

Graham Deane arrived late but did not play. He is sure to be on time for next weeks game with World Class FC though and will be needed as Balaga face their next challenge.

Elsewhere in the league Manning Park Rovers showed they're class with a 6-1 win over the upsetters. Rosies got a close 1-0 win over World Class FC while Seven FC and Sevin Sinners drew 2-2.