11 September 2006

 

There was a major upset in the Down SHC semi-final on Saturday, 9th of September at the Ballycran venue when the reigning Down and Ulster club champions, Ballygalget were defeated by their great rivals, Portaferry in a thrilling SHC clash.

This was a deserved win for the challengers who played with great passion, commitment and no lack of talent, and took the game to the champions from the off.

Ballygalget were without star players Emmett Doorian and Martin Coulter, started the game without their Ulster player, Gareth Johnston – who had just returned from the United States. However, he was called into action midway through the opening half, scored his sides goal and played well following his introduction.

Portaferry started the game in impressive fashion and at the end of the opening quarter they were ahead by five points – 0-8 to 0-3. The champions improved as the half progressed and they were right back in the game at the interval as they trailed by two points – 1-8 to 1-6.

The second-half was a battle royal between two very determined and committed sides with no quarter asked or given. With the game entering its final ten minutes the challengers opened up a four points lead, and they increased this to five points when sub Jerome Trainer added another point for a deserved five points win in the end.

Portaferry – K. Keating; C. Coulter, S. Murray, R. Conlon; B. Milligan, B. Coleman, R. McGrattan 0-2; A. Savage, B. Murray; G. Adair, G. McGrattan 0-2, J. Convery 0-1; E. Trainor 0-2, Paul Braniff 1-6, P. Mallon 0-1.
Sub – J. Trainor 0-1 for B. Murray.

Ballygalget – Graham Clarke; L. Clarke, P. Coulter, S. Roddy; Gabriel Clarke, A. Dynes, S. Johnston 0-1; P. Monan 0-1, D. Flynnn; B. Coulter 0-1, J. McGrattan 0-4, G. Flynn; E. Clarke, S. Clarke 0-1, P. Coulter 0-1.
Subs – M. Pucci for A. Dynes; G. Johnston 1-1 for G. Flynn.

Referee – G. Magee from Kilclief.