Having lost both our opening games, it was vital that, wind assisted, we got off to a good start to dispel any self doubt and build some confidence.

The first few minutes of play were pivotal, each pass, each tackle carrying the potential to either solidify fears or ignite confidence.

Legion won the throw-in and within the first minute had raised a green flag when a fisted effort was cleared off the line but unfortunately for us ended up in the net before players had time to settle.

Conor O’Sullivan fired over our first point but Finbarr Murphy replied in kind before Con Barrett, operating at full forward, was on the end of a good passing movement to raise our second point of the evening on 7 minutes.

Legion were dominating the middle third with their half back line of Darragh Fleming, Jonathan Lyne and Cian Gammell ( all of whom have worn a Kerry jersey) forming a defensive bulwark and breaking forward at every opportunity.

Tom Hoare and Shane McElligott carried the fight to the home side but Legion notched the next two points through Will Shine before Jake Foley added to our tally in the 23rd minute.

Barry John, roaming to good effect kicked over two fine points, the 2nd being a particularly fine effort off his left and when Gearóid Savage pointed a close in free we were only one point adrift at the short whistle, 1-04 to 0-06.

The opening minutes of the 2nd half saw Jake Foley cut through from midfield and kick an equalising score off his left; however, Legion were strengthening their grip around the middle with their physicality and experience to the fore and they tacked on a goal and a series of points as our resistance faltered.

We had to wait until the 25th minute for our next score, a pointed free from Tom Hoare which was followed by a fine point from Daniel Bowler but Legion, having emptied their bench were to finish in style with a goal and a couple of points to secure a well merited victory.

We have a two week break before we return to Strand Road where our opponents will be Milltown/Castlemaine.

Team: Robert O’Connor, Darragh McElligott, Donagh Buckley, Sam Pituch, Ryan Carroll, Ross O’Callaghan, TJ Heaphy, Tom Hoare, Jake Foley, Barry John Keane, Shane McElligott, Gearóid Dillane, Gearóid Savage, Con Barrett, Conor O’Sullivan.

Subs used: Conor Hayes, TJ McMahon, Daniel Bowler, Sam McCarthy, Padraig Griffin.