Marist College held off a tremendous comeback from Moate Community School in Moate yesterday.

Playing with the wind, Marist built up a 3-3 to 1-1 half-time lead thanks to two goals from Athlone clubman Alan Kelly and one from Paul Dillon.

However, Moate responded with two points from PJ Ward, and one each from Rigney and Browne, to one point in reply. A goal from Ward, after a brilliantly executed move, then left two points between the sides.

However, the outstanding Dillon settled the game by slotting over from the left. Tenacious defending from Marist ensured no reprieve for Moate.

MARIST COLLEGE: P Golden; Niall Moran, T Furey, D Rohan; S Carr, G Aherne, N Fagan; G Quinn, J Tobin; P Bannon, P Dillon (1-1), P Mulvihill (0-2); J Mannion (capt), A Kelly (Athlone, 2-1), A Kelly (Castledaly, 0-1).

MOATE CS: D Howard; B Mullarney, K Larkin (capt), P Keenan; J Brennan, S Butler J Cunningham; D Mullins, N Mackey; R Ennis- Lennon, (1-0), A Rigney (0-1), PJ Ward (1-4); R Daly, T Browne (0-1), C Casey. Subs: J Egan for Mullins, M Fox for Casey. Subs: M Duffy for Bannon, S Scanlon for M Duffy.

Referee: Paul McGann.