ALL-IRELAND HURLING
DOWN 0-12 WEXFORD 2-19
DOWN were comprehensively beaten by a well-organised and highly skilful Wexford at Ballygalget.
Playing with the aid of a strong wind in the first half, Wexford scored 1-12 and were guilty of a number of wides.
Despite top-class hurling from Gabriel Clarke, Andy Savage and Michael Ennis, Down could manage only two points, both from frees by Paul Braniff.
After 15 minutes of the second half Wexford’s scoring reached 2-16, while Down had managed only three more points despite the aid of the wind.
At that point Wexford eased off, allowing the Down men back into the game.
Andy Savage picked off a fine point but was then sent off for a yellow card offence.
Points from Simon Wilson, Conor Woods and Conor O’Prey added respectability to the Down score.
In the last quarter Wexford added only two more points, but again they were guilty of wasting a number of opportunities.
Wilson, Kevin McGarry and Braniff added points to bring Down’s total to 0-12, but Wexford won pulling up before the end.
Overall Down tried hard and as the game opened up in the second half they were able to find more time on the ball.
But Wexford’s tactical sense was more advanced and their men could always find the space to receive a good quality pass. Down’s touch was just as good as Wexford’s, but the Leinster team’s speed and accuracy of delivery always left them with the upper hand.
DOWN: Graham Clarke, C O’Prey (0-1), A Dynes, S Ennis, F Conway, Gabriel Clarke, M Ennis (0-1), A Savage (0-1), S Wilson (0-2, 0-1 65), C Coulter, P Braniff (0-4, 0-3 frees), K McGarry (0-2), C Woods (0-1), R McGrattan, E Clarke, (Subs) A Higgins for McGrattan (53); J Coyle for E Clarke (53); S Johnston for A Dynes (55); E Trainor for C Woods (65).
LAOIS 3-08 DOWN 3-07 DOWN Senior Camogs suffered their first league defeat on Sunday when they took on Laois in Ashbourne.
Down hit the ground running and were in control of the early exchanges, hitting three wides before Catherine McGourty pointed from a free at six minutes.
Down were punished for not recording their possession on the scoreboard as Laois pushed up the field and pointed three unanswered points.
This left Down chasing the game. Only McGourty was able to threaten the Laois goal adding two points to the Down tally.
Laois swapped points with Sara Louise Carr before taking control and went on to smash in two goals before half time, setting the score at Laois 2-05 Down 0-04.
Down started the second half with renewed vigour.
Sara Louise Carr slotted over from the restart and Fionualla Carr moved from to half back, allowing the injured Lisa McCrickard drop back to full back.
This tightened up the Down defence and allowed Down to charge forward against a strong breeze.
Against the run of play Laois added another goal and point to their tally to lead Down by eleven points with twelve minutes left on the clock.
Down, led by Karen McMullan at midfield dug deep. Portaferry’s Maria McNally doubled on a ball coming in from the wing and the Laois keeper had no chance.
This inspired a revival. With the Down defence now on top and Laura Brennan introduced at midfield the forwards had the opportunity to create further pressure.
McGourty added a point before a magnificent ball from Carr into space resulted in Sara Louise gaining possession and being fouled as she went through on goal. McGourty fired to the roof of the net.
Down were now on top and Nicola Braniff won the ball, sent it through to Sara Louise who, this time rattled the net herself.
Down continued to pressure in an attempt to find the point that wuld draw the game and take them through to the final.
However it was not to be. DOWN: Peggy Matthews, Ciara McGovern, Fionualla Carr, Emma McCormick, Emma Keith, Lisa McCrickard, Karen Tinnelly, Karen McMullan, Joanne Fitzpatrick, Catherine McGourty 1.5 (1.4 frees) Paula Gribben, Orla Maginn, Maria McNally 1.0, Sara Louise Carr 1.2, Naimh Mulhern, Nicola Braniff for Joanne Fitzpatrick, Clare Quinn for Emma McCormick, Naomi Morgan for Maria McNally, Laura Brennan for Paula Gribben, Corinna Cunningham for Emma Keith.
BRYANSFORD GAC THE ten acts competing in the F Factor Final, which takes place this Saturday are; The Huggy Bear Heads; 2 Up, 2 Down; 4 Skins; Sister Flop; Status Crow; The Fit Cat; Bucks Anythin; Blow Jay; Kilcoo Boys; Ford Ceili Boys.
Rehearsals for the participating acts are as follows: The Huggy Bear Heads; 2 Up, 2 Down; 4 Skins; Sister Flop and Status Crow are asked to attend a rehearsal on Wednesday 1st April. The remaining acts are asked to attend a rehearsal on Thursday 2nd April.
Tickets for Saturday’s Final are available on both rehearsal nights at 7.30pm in the Social Club.
Championship Draws: Reserve Championship: Bryansford v An Riocht; Premier Reserve Championship: Warrenpoint v Bryansford; Powerade Senior Championship: Bryansford v Kilcoo; Minor Championship: Noamh Seosamh (Ballykinlar/Dundrum) v Bryansford.
U-12s beat Bredagh. U-14s lost to Warrenpoint. The Seconds lost to Burren.