Down ACFL Division 2
Banbridge 1-17 Dundrum 3-08

Banbridge are well on their way to securing a Division 2 playoff berth after this hard earned win against a gutsy Dundrum offering.
From the start it was clear that the West Down team were on top of their game. Their fluidity coupled with their eye for a score meant that they held one too many aces for the Duns to deal with.
A blistering first 15 minutes saw Tony Wilson's charges race in to a commanding eight point lead. A lobbed goal from Alan McGrath added to efforts from Paddy Feeney (0-02), Steve McArdle (0-02) and Johnny Burns (0-01).
Dundrum managed their first score 16 minutes in and it arrived from the impressive Shea Curran at midfield. Feeney replied for the homesters before Kieran Walsh slotted over a free to grab the Dun's second score.
Banbridge were on top in all departments by this stage and impressive substitute Brian Donaghy brought the promotion chasers total to 1-07 with a fine score.
Suprisingly though, it was Dundrum who finished the half with gusto. Four efforts in a row, three coming from the boot of Walsh and one coming from Conor McShane, gave hope to the East Down side for the 2nd half.
Despite opening the scoring through the brilliant Kieran Walsh, the Duns succumbed to an early Banbridge blitz. Two more glorious efforts from Feeney and one apeice from Paddy Burns and Ruari Gillen extended their advantage to seven.
After this sustained period of pressure Dundrum shuffled their pack. Young substitute Richie Fitzsimons replaced Martin Coughlan and his impact was immediate as he fired an unstoppable shot off the ground to breach Mickey McAllister's goal for the first time in the game.
Yet the Dun's new found sense of positivity was soon quelled. Donaghy, Paddy Burns and Feeney rallied and all three split the posts to bring back the Bridge's seven point lead.
However, Dundrum didn't lie down. John Hurley cut through the Banbridge rearguard with efficient ease before dispatching to Cormac Venney. The confident attacker lined himself up before letting fly to McAllister's net with a well placed shot.
This goal buoyed the away support but Banbridge again replied with purpose. The superb Donaghy and Alan McGrath pointed from long range to bring six points between the entities.
With time running out the Duns threw the bustlling Shea Curran into full forward. Within a minute of this switch Curran bagged 1-01 and suddenly for the first time in the game the Bridge began to panic.
However, despite their apprehension Banbridge held firm. Super substitute Donaghy floated over a late score and despite Dundrum's efforts they finished three short at the full time whistle.
Banbridge were excellent throughout in this tussle. JP Gartland, Paddy Burns and Lee Rooney were superb in defence while all six forwards showed a great eye for the score with Feeney outstanding on the 40' and Donaghy hugely impressive from the bench.
Dundrum left it too late once again. Yet Eamon King in goals, John Hurley in defence, Kieran Walsh in midfield and 16 year old Conal McKee in attack showed up well in what turned out to be a very competitive performance from John McShane's troops.
Banbridge have dreams of Division 1 football while Dundrum have nightmares of Division 3 action. A lot may change in the coming weeks.

Dundrum: E.King, M.Rooney, M.Cunningham, N.McComiskey, J.McMullan, J.Hurley, A.Doyle, K.Walsh (0-05, 3F), S.Curran (1-02), C.McShane (0-01), C.Venney (1-00), C.McKee, M.Coughlan, C.King, P.Rooney. Sub: R.Fitzsimons (1-00), J.McKibben


Down ACFL Division 2
Dundrum 1-06 Darragh Cross 0-12

Far from being a classic, this game served to heighten Dundrum's fears of automatic relegation while providing Darragh Cross with a notion of a playoff place.
Played in torrential rain, the game failed to ignite but it was Darragh who came away with the two points after a very strong finish.
The 1st half was dour. Dundrum managed one score through the lively Cormac Venney while Eoin Mageean hit all three of Darragh's. One came from a 45', one from a free and another from play.
Apart from these scores very little else happened. It was very unimaginative stuff as both teams struggled with the dreadful conditions.
The 2nd half saw the game open up a little more and the early exchanges saw Dundrum's Curran and Venney exchange scores with Darragh's McGovern and Pat McMahon.
A turning point then arrived when Venney netted after centre half back Hurley went on another trademark run forward. Hurley's neat hand pass allowed Venney the space to drill his shot past Gerard Marks in the Darragh goal.
Dundrum were now in the lead for the first time but Eoin Mageean soon equalised. However, the urgency of John Hurley soon came to the fore as he pointed from wide on the right before full forward Colm King opened his account to give the Duns a two point lead.
Darragh substitute Ryan Keenan ate in to the homester's advantage with a well taken pot shot but the hard working Conor McShane was on hand to revitalise his side's two point advantage.
With ten minutes remaining the Duns began to wilt. Darragh moved Marcus Miskelly to full forward and it proved to be a master switch. Miskelly swung over three points as Tom McMahon and Down Hurling star Brendan McGourty also added to the scoreboard as Darragh romped home in style to secure a three point winning margin.
A few more wins over teams close to them in the League table may see Darragh sneak in to the playoffs. If this is to happen then Ryan McGreevy and Paddy Murray will have to maintain their high standard of defending while the dangerous attacking trio of McGourty, Miskelly and Mageean will have to keep the scoreboard rolling.
Dundrum are staring oblivion in the face and nothing short of victory in their remaining games will save their skin. Once again Eamon King was solid in goals while Neil McComiskey and John Hurley were sturdy in defence. Johnny McMullan was effective around the middle while Cormac Venney was the starman in an otherwise unimaginative attack.

Dundrum: E.King, J.McKibben, M.Cunningham, N.McComiskey, J.McMullan, J.Hurley (0-01), A.Doyle, K.Walsh , S.Curran (0-01), C.McShane (0-01), C.Venney (1-02), C.McKee, M.Coughlan, C.King (0-01), P.Rooney. Sub: R.Fitzsimons


Club Notes.
* The Seniors lost out to Banbridge last Monday and to Darragh Cross on Friday. On Monday past the team travelled to Warrenpoint while tomorrow night (Thursday) Ballymartin will travel to Dundrum for a 7.30pm throw-in.
* The club would like to thank Johnny McComiskey for coming down and taking a session with the Seniors last Wednesday night.
* The Reserves are back in action on Sunday when they will travel to Liatroim for a 7pm throw-in. Players are to meet for 5.45pm.
* The Minors played a very exciting game with Bright last Wednesday. However, the Ballynoe based team won out on a 7-11 to 2-11 scoreline. Scorers for the Minors were Sean O'Rourke (2-01), Stefan Mason (0-05) and Conall McKee (0-05)
* The U-16's had an excellent win over St Johns last Tuesday. They ran out victors on a 3-08 to 1-10 scoreline. Best for the winners were Mark Grant, Conor Magee, Conn Rooney, Sean Murray, Aodhan Killen and Stefan Mason.
A date for the U-16 B Semi Final against Saul has yet to be confirmed.
* The U-14's had a magnificent win over bitter rivals Loughinisland on Friday night in the B Championship Quarter Final replay. Missing no less than 7 players, the management of Thomas McShane, Eamon Hogg, Ciaran Hanna and Rocky Lagatule managed to gather 15 players together. Playing several U-12's the team ended up shocking the Blues with a 5 point win.
Well done to all involved and good luck for the Semi Final on Saturday against Liatroim in Drumaness at 2pm. A big support from both clubs would be much appreciated.
* The U-12's finished off their League campaign against St Johns on Sunday. Their next bit of action comes in the Edward Toner Memorial tournament in Castlwellan.
* Loughinisland will be the venue for the Senior's 1st Round IFC game against Bredagh on Sunday the 17th of August at 3pm. Gerard Brannigan (St Johns) is down to officate. Aughlisnafin v Bright will be the curtain raiser to the game.
* For the 2nd year in a row the club will get to host a Championship game. Glasdrumman will face Bosco in the IFC at 7pm on Thursday the 14th of August.
* Hard luck to our own Paul McComiskey and Down who exited the Championship at the hands of Wexford on Saturday. Also, everybody at the club would like to wish Ambrose Rodgers a speedy recovery from his operation.
* Congratulations to Neil John and Leanne who tied the knot on Saturday.
* The club's annual fun day takes place on Saturday the 23rd of August. Anybody interested in helping out should contact Ollie Forsythe.
* As part of our ongoing development programme we are holding our annual fundraising golf classic on Friday at Downpatrick Golf Club. There are fantastic prizes on the day but more importantly it is a great opportunity for us all to socialise and have an enjoyable day. The day will comprise of a team golf tournament and three-course meal, followed by the prizegiving ceremony and music in the Tonn Ruray Bar, Dundrum at 10pm that evening. Contact Paul Byrne ( 07970207467) or Barry Walsh for further details.