The seniors were left to regret a poor 1st half performance as the were defeated 2-15 to 1-16 by Carrickmacross yesterday evening. There were several changes from the fifteen that started the SFC game last weekend and the rustiness showed as we were outplayed in the opening period. Two early points from Dermot Malone gave us a one point advantage after 10mins but a Carrick goal gave them impetus and the controlled the rest of the half to lead by six at the interval. Blayney resumed with a much more familiar line-up after the break as they set about overcome the deficit.

A spirited display in poor conditions at Clontibret last evening booked our place in the senior championship semi-finals after a 1-08 to 1-06 win over Scotstown. Scotstown were first on the board but Blayney hit back with 2 medium range frees from Mark Hanratty and were denied a goal when the Scotstown keeper made a great save from Dermot Malone. Both teams were struggling with the elements and there was a long period with no scoring before Scotstown levelled up again. Blayney went behind when Darren Hughes pointed but were level again almost immediately when Ryan Treacy got our first score from play. Scotstown then rattled the Blayney crossbar before they added a point to retake the lead, Dermot Malone ended the scoring for the first half with probably the score of the half as pointed pointed from out near the sideline.

The Faughs must come through the back-door if they are to win the 2012 championship after losing 3-14 to 4-08 to Clontibret in what can only be described as a crazy game at Inniskeen on Saturday evening. Blayney were quick out of the traps and a Ryan Treacy goal in the 2nd minute was the ideal start. Clontibret however soon found their range and an array of good points during the half gave them a 5 point lead by the 25th minute. Blayneys only other scores during this time coming from a fisted Damian Hughes effort and a McElroy free. Ryan Treacy then found the net again to reduce the lead and when Dermot Malone also goaled moments later Blayney would go in with an unlikely half time lead.

The 2nd half would be no less dramatic with Clontibret retaking the lead with a goal straight from the throw-in and quickly adding a point to seize the initiative again. Blayney then hit a second purple patch and an unanswered 1-3, the goal coming from Ciaran Hanratty, pushed Blayney out to a four point lead their biggest of the game. Disaster then struck around the mid period with the loss of Ciaran Hughes to injury compounded by Clontibret finding the Blayney net twice in 60 seconds as the balance of power shifted yet again. The game became stretched and scappy in the closing stages with first Blayney losing Damian Hughes to two yellows followed shortly by Mark Hanratty and Clontibrets Dessie Mone also for two yellows. In the closing minutes Blayney searched for the goal that would of saved them but it wasn't to be and time ran out with Clontibret leading by 3. Blayney will now face Scotstown this Saturday evening at 6PM in Clontibret with the winners qualifying for the semi-finals.

Team: B McGuinness; K Duffy, M Treanor, S Lynch; C Brady, P Mallon, D Hughes; C Gurn, C Hughes; M McElroy, N Duffy, D Malone; C Hanratty, R Treacy, K Hill

The seniors lost narrowly 0-09 to 1-07 to Ballybay last night in a league game played at Ballybay. Blayney had the better of the opening half and lead by six points to two at half time with Blayneys scores coming from Marty McElroy (3), Keith Hill, Ciaran McGinn and Brian McGuinness. The half time scoreline flattered Blayney with Ballybay kicking a large number of wides in the half. Ballybay started the 2nd period strongly and reduced the arrears to one but points from Gary Ward and a Keith Hill free restored a three point Blayney advantage midway through the half. A raiding Ballybay move was then finished to the net to draw them level. A free then put Ballybay in front but Blayney drew level again thanks to a fine point from full back Mark Treanor. In a frantic finale Ballybay retook the lead from a free and try as they might Blayney were unable to draw level.

Team and scorers: P McNally; K Duffy, M Treanor (0-1), P Treanor; D Hughes, C Brady, S Lynch; C Gurn, C Hughes; C McGinn (0-1), M McElroy (0-3,1f), Gary Ward (0-1); K Hill (0-2f),  B McGuinness (0-1), B McElroy.