Westport laid down a marker of intent in Breaffy on Sunday afternoon - seeing off the home side by a single point after a pulsating encounter.
This one had been earmarked as the game of the weekend ahead of time and it didn’t not disappoint as it went right down to the wire.
At the three quarter mark it looked like Westport were going to cruise to a victory leading 2-11 to 0-11 at the water break after a stunning 15 minute display that saw them hit 1-5 after the resumption of hostilities after the break.
But Breaffy had by far the better of the final quarter of the game kicking five points and having a chance to level it up late on - only to see Tommy O’Reilly miss fire from a placed ball.
Westport have converted Kevin Keane into a full forward this year and the former Mayo full back put in an impressive shift hitting 1-2 before he was forced off injured 20 minutes in, getting hurt in the process of scoring his sides opening goal.
The visitors led by a single point at the break on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-8 at the end of a pulsating 30 minutes of football, with the battle between Aidan O’Shea and Lee Keegan on the edge of the square the contest that caught the eye all afternoon.
Seven of Breaffy’s opening half points came from placed balls, with Colm Flynn and O’Reilly handling the kicking duties, while for Westport the scoring duties was shared around with Alan Kennedy, Fionn McDonagh, Mark Moran and Pat Lambert all getting in on the act.
The third quarter is where Westport laid the firm foundations of their win with big scores from Mark Moran, Fionn McDonagh, Oisin McLaughlin and a penalty from Killian Kilkenny driving them ahead. They could have really put the game to bed right before the water break was called when McDonagh was clean through but he pulled his shot wide of the post.
Breaffy did have a few half goal chances themselves with Lee Keegan saving on the line to block an O’Reilly effort and Robbie Fadden seeing his effort saved by Paddy O’Malley.
The home-side didn’t give into temptation to move Aidan O’Shea out from the full forward spot as they went chasing the game and he won a number of frees over the course of the hour that kept his side in touch.
Westport will be disappointed with the way they faded in the final quarter - but with their hard running style and athleticism they have shown that they are looking to be serious contenders at the top table.
For Breaffy it is all or nothing next weekend when they make the short trip in the road to take on Castlebar Mitchels in round two, while Westport will host Charlestown under the shadow of Croagh Patrick.
Knockmore see off southern visitors
In north Mayo on Sunday lunch time Knockmore saw off the the challenge of Claremorris in impressive style running out nine point winners on a score of 0-19 to 0-10.
Ray Dempsey’s men led by two points at the break but really stretched their legs in the second half to run out comfortable winners.
Aiden Orme hit eight points for the hosts with Kevin McLoughlin and Peter Naughton both chipping in with three each.
For the visitors Conor Diskin finished with a personal tally of 0-6 and James Shaughnessy registered three points before he was sent off after getting a black and a yellow card.
Claremorris will host Ballina next weekend, while Knockmore will be sure to get a warm welcome in Bangor when they take on Kiltane.
Ballina keep upward movement going
In James Stephens Park on Sunday afternoon Ballina had plenty to spare against Kiltane running out 12 point winners on a score of 3-11 to 1-5, despite finishing with 13 men.
Both Keith Tighe and Padraig O’Hora were sent off for Enda Gilvarry’s men but they were comfortable throughout.
Evan Regan kicked half a dozen points while Simon Leonard kicked 2-3, with Conor McStay getting the third goal.
Tommy Conroy found the net for the visitors in the second half, but they were well outclassed by their hosts and they’ll be looking to regroup before the visit of Knockmore next weekend while Ballina will be hoping to book their passage into the last eight when they make the trip to Claremorris in their second game.
Mayo Club Championship Results - Sunday, August 2
Connacht Gold Mayo SFC
Group 3
Knockmore 0-19 Claremorris 0-10
Ballina Stephenites 3-11 Kiltane 1-05
Group 4
Westport 2-11 Breaffy 0-16
Egan Jewellers Mayo IFC
Group 1
Bonniconlon 0-12 Louisburgh 0-10
Group 2
Castlebar Mitchels 1-15 Burrishoole 3-07
Mayo Gaels 2-10 Ardnaree 0-11
Group 3
Hollymount-Carramore 0-15 Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin 0-11
TF Royal Theatre Mayo JFC
Group 1
Eastern Gaels 1-21 Moygownagh 0-07
Group 3
Kilmaine 2-09 Achill 0-05
Tourmakeady 0-11 Kilfian 1-04
Group 4
Cill Chomain 0-13 Ballycastle 0-06
