Under 14 Hurling League: Carryduff Vs Ballyvarley/Ballela

            The under 14 hurlers of Ballyvarley and Ballela have amalgamated this year under the banner of St Patrick’s. The majority of the team comes from Ballyvarley and so they wore the red and white jersies when they travelled for their first league outing away to Carryduff. Played in perfect conditions it was to prove a good start to the season for the local hurlers as they comfortably won by nine points.

            The game began with Patrick Mackin leading the way with an early point after a fine solo through the heart of the home sides defence. There followed a long period of sustained pressure when the Ballyvarley/Ballela hurlers dominated yet failed to add to their tally. It was not until half-way through the half that they scored again, Patrick Mackin notching another point after giving an outstanding first half performance for the Reds.

            Carryduff where to occasionally break-up the field but with the defence shored up with excellent performances from Darragh, Joint Captain Michael Downey, Michael McKay and Christopher Martin the Carryduff possession never resulted in a score. This left two points in it at the break despite the locals dominance and all still to play for.

Half-time: Carryduff  0-0  Ballyvarley/Ballela  0-2

            After the break Owen Magee came on at corner forward and within ten minutes have goaled twice, the best coming after a solo past two defenders before he passed the sliothar into the net. The Reds used their heads better in this second period with the forwards not congesting the goalmouth, leaving more space to take their scores.

            Carryduff though were determined not to just roll over and soon grabbed their own goal after a quick break. A low hard shot thundered into the net giving the Reds’ keeper no chance of saving it.

            Michael Downey, now at midfield, and a tireless display from his teammate Tony Hegarty continually supplied ball into the Reds’ forward line and Patrick Mackin prospered with a good jablift allowing him the chance to break past his opponent and send a fierce shot over the bar.

            The St Patrick’s team continued to dominate allowing the luxury of using all five substitiutes permitted. Peter Lavery, Owen Carlisle, Ciaron Davis and James O’Meara all came on with Owen sending a ground stroke over the bar and James and Ciaron impressing with very energetic and competitive displays.

            As the game drew to a close all that was left was for Joint Captain Tony Hegarty to send a fine thirty yard free over.

Full-time: Carryduff  1-0  Ballyvarley/Ballela   2-6

            This was a good winning start for Ballyvarley/Ballela under 14 side with numerous excellent performances in the defence and midfield areas. Michael Downey, Michael McKay and Christopher Martin pushed forward out of defence at every opportunity and quick in the tackle; Tony Hegarty and Conor Strain ran across every blade of grass on the field and setup numerous attacks; while upfront Owen Magee provided some killer finishing and Patrick Mackin gave an outstanding performance at half-forward.

Ballyvarley/Ballela Under 14 Team: