Ulster Minor Hurling Division 1 Saturday 20th September 2008

Slaughtneil 1-13 v Portaferry 1-14

Portaferry Minors opened up their Ulster League account with a well merited one point success over Derry's Slaughtneil. Played on a glorious evening at the foot of the picturesque Sperrin Mountains Portaferry took the game to their opponents from the very first whistle. Early points from the impressive Brendan Coleman, Michael Doran and Shane Conlan put the boys in blue and gold on the front foot. The home side did rally with the two Cassidy's in particular very impressive with Sean at midfield providing most of their scores as the Ports led at half time 1-08 to 6 points.

Slaughtneil started the second half the brightest and with the wind at their backs they began to reduce the arrears with an early goal and 3 points. Both teams then traded points with again Doran on target and Conor Mageean stretching the Ports lead for a time. The home side then began to exert pressure on Portaferry's rearguard but in Eoin Dumigan, Fergal Rodgers and John Merron they held firm to win by the slightest of margins.

The game as a spectacle was a joy to watch with quality scores in abundance from both open play and long distance frees. Slaughneil's Sean Cassidy and their number 10 were very impressive whilst their goal keeper pulled off some wonderful saves. For Portaferry the win is ideal preparation for the their Championship final encounter with Ballycran on October 12th 2008. Best for the Ports included Fergal Rodgers, John Merron and Conor Young whist Michael Doran and the 2 Conaln's were superb. Brendan Coleman offered a great outlet up front whilst Eunan Mc Mullan picked off some great scores.

Man of the Match: Michael Doran: Portaferry