Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s adult hurlers made it three league wins on the bounce with a comfortable victory over Longwood on Saturday evening.

A depleted panel of just 17 players made the trip due to injuries, suspensions and other events, but some clinical scoring helped them to an eight-point victory.

Michael and Darragh O’Sullivan got things going – the former firing over from play before a brace of frees from the latter, with Longwood keeping in touch early on.

A goal from Michael O’Sullivan was backed up by points from player-manager Colm Ó Méalóid and another free from Darragh O’Sullivan before another O’Sullivan got on the scoresheet, with Seán raising another green flag to extend Don/Ash’s lead.

The Carey brothers were also becoming involved, with Davey scoring the away side’s third goal before half time and Conor winning another free which was put up by Darragh O’Sullivan to give the lads a half time lead of 3-8 to 0-7.

To their credit, Longwood mounted a mini-comeback in the second half but Don/Ash continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and at a comfortable distance.

A hat-trick of frees from Darragh O’Sullivan after good work from sub Tomás Gaughan and another goal from his brother Michael meant that a goal from the home side in response was quickly cancelled out.

On his first start of the year, Conor Carey finished off the scoring for Don/Ash to ease to an eight-point win.

The lads are out again on Sunday week with a home game in a top of the table clash with Rathmolyon.

Team: Thomas Burnell; Shane Duke, Rhys Thomas, Daragh Walsh; Terry Bruton, Oisín Daly,  Seán O’Sullivan (1-0); C Ó Méalóid (0-1), Darragh O’Sullivan (0-8f); Ben Mather, Conor Carey (0-1), Seán Doyle; Evan O’Kane, David Carey (1-0), Michael O’Sullivan (2-2)

Subs: Tomás Gaughan for D Carey, Sam Ryan for Mather