Weather wise, perfect footballing conditions meant that there would be no excuses for any team playing in Drom today. Sunshine, little or no breeze and dry under foot. 2 changes in personnel coming into the game gave rare starting opportunity to Colin Hanbury at right full who has waited patiently in recent months for his starting chance. Shane Connaughton claimed a starting place too and both players showed determination in setting out their stall to hold onto thier place.

The result was never in doubt as 5 goals in the opening 15 minutes. A dream start as Ben Murphy executed a superb delivery from wide left as the ball beat front man Dillon Murphy, Shane Connaughton was on hand to finish cooly with his 2nd attempt. 1-0 up in the opening minutes, Alex Byrne made it 2-0 shortly after some neat passing moves involving, Colin Hanbury, Shane Garvey, Shane Connaughton and Dillon Murphy. Dillon Murphy was proving a real threat in attack and he was fouled minutes later in the box and duly converted the penalty. Ben Murphy made it 5-0 with 2 quick goals in succession.

A lapse of concentration at the back allowed Colga get a goal back on a rare voyage upfield but the striker should be complemented with the quality of his finish.

Devon made 5 changes at the break and changed formation to a 3-5-2 with the introduction of Eoghan Stenson, Aaron Kane, Eric Ohlstrom, Niall Murray and Aaron Murtagh. In this previous fixture when Devon were also 5 up at the break, thy failed to score in the 2nd half and this was the challenge put up to them at half time.

Aaron Kane produced a tantelising cross to notch another goal for Garbhann Malone, Joe Gaughan got on the score sheet aswell as a brace from Conor Shaughnessy one including a penalty with further goals from Aaron Murtagh and a super second from Shane Connaughton, a late consolation for Colga.

The major talking point in the second period was a sending off for both teams as the salthill striker reacted to an off the ball strike which left both teams down to ten men. There had been an element of late tackles in this game which was also an element when the sides met in the Irish Cup just prior to the christmas break.

From the Devon footballing perspective, there were many positives, some crafty football in parts, a strong work ethic, an inner hunger to aspire for more and continue to do the right thing even when the scoreline is not in doubt. 8 different scorers is a major plus and some fine individual performances.

Devon go into the next round of the Connaught Cup with more difficult challenges awaiting them.