GREAT SCOTS

Beggan hits 0-11 as Monaghan champs take Ulster title

- PADDY TIERNEY

SCOTSTOWN are Ulster club champions for the first time in 36 years after edging out Kilcoo following extra-time at the Box-It Athletic Grounds last night.

The Monaghan champions needed penalties to see off Newbridge in the provincial semifinal - and they were forced to dig deep once again in Armagh with Rory Beggan scoring 0-11 from placed balls in an exhibition of kicking in windy conditions.

Their hopes of a fifth Ulster title and a first since 1989 suffered a blow before throw-in when Tommy Mallen was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the Newbridge game.

Additionally, Conor McCarthy wasn't deemed fit enough to start while, in contrast, Kilcoo were able to start Aaron Branagan after the defender missed the win over Erne Gaels.

The Monaghan men won the toss and opted to play with the advantage of a very strong breeze.

They raced into an early four-point lead with Kilcoo struggling to get a shot away.