The away side came our three-point victors in a 3-14 (26) to 3-11 (23) win in their Ryan Cup opener today.

St Mary’s manager Gavin McGilly was delighted with ‘the Ranch spirit’ to kickstart their Ryan Cup campaign, as they defeated Queen’s 3-14 to 3-11 at The Dub on Wednesday.

The Expert Advisory Group’s new rule proposals were at play, with the four-point goal a real success in McGilly’s eyes.

“We got our three goals in the first half, all against the breeze. Queen’s scored two of their goals against the breeze second half.

“Players seem more open about working the score. Oran McCafferty got our first, Fergal O’Brien scored a screamer, an unbelievable goal, and Adam Canavan from Poyntzpass got the other goal.”

Queen’s Luke Diamond, Tomás McCormack and James Sargent registered their majors.

McGilly admitted ‘it was strange coming up against’ fellow Armagh man McCormack, but it was Sargent’s goal that drew most confusion in relation to the three hand pass rule:

“There were three official referees there today, I’m not sure you’ll be able to filter that down to club level.

“There was a wee bit of confusion with Sargent’s goal, the third hand pass was squared across and he flicked it to the net.

“There was a wee bit of hesitation where nobody knew, but it was given.”

On the implentation of tactics regarding the rule amendments, Clontibret coach McGilly insists it has been limited:

“We haven’t really had time to go in depth. It’s been a bit of a crash course.

“They’re smart lads, they’ll pick it up quickly and we’re just hoping we don’t get penalised too often.

“On the half court, there were only one or two infringments in the whole game. The (ban on) fisted points didn’t seem to have a big impact.

“It was a very open game, probably up on 12 goal chances. We’re just happy to get up and running with a win.

“We had a two-point lead with time ticking, so to get any win at The Dub is very pleasing.”