Our Senior B team kicked off their league campaign for the new year today, welcoming Ballywaltrim to Whitegates for what proved to be a classic, hard-fought match. The lads secured a vital 3-2 victory, thanks to a goal from Robbie Mearns and a brilliant brace from Lorcan Sinnott.

Rovers started brightly, with both Sinnott and Mearns testing the Ballywaltrim keeper, but it was the visitors who caught us cold, taking a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

However, the response was immediate and impressive. Great link-up play from Tomas Kennedy set up an attack, and after the keeper parried the initial shot, Robbie Mearns reacted quickest to stab the ball home in the scramble, bringing us level before the break.

We surged ahead early in the second half when Lorcan Sinnott broke down the left flank and finished brilliantly to the far corner. The third goal was, without doubt, the goal of the game, showcasing sublime, fast-paced teamwork. Ben Doyle picked up the ball at right-back, delivered a fine through pass to Tomas Kennedy, who then combined with Mearns and Sinnott in a passage of brilliant one-touch football to carve open the Ballywaltrim defence. Lorcan Sinnott was on hand to apply the superb finish to the bottom corner.

Ballywaltrim managed to pull a goal back from the penalty spot, setting up a nervy final phase, but the Rovers rear-guard stood firm, holding out confidently to secure all three points.

Our Man of the Match award goes to Robbie Mearns, who worked tirelessly up top all afternoon, driving the attack and earning his reward with a crucial goal. Well done, Senior B, for a perfect start to the new league season!