MAYO champions Knockmore had 13 points to spare over the Leitrim contenders Allen Gaels in the first round of the Connacht SF Championship at Ballina yesterday.

The Leitrim side-looked the stronger outfit in the first 15 minutes and seemed poised to push the Mayo champions to the limit. However, Knockmore, inspired by former inter-county star Padraic Brogan, led by 1-2 to 0-2 at the interval. Donnacha Lynch's goal early in the second half tied the match at 1-3 apiece. A Joe Davis goal finally killed off the Leitrim team's challenge.