Down were unfortunate to loose by a goal to Antrim in the Ulster Minor Hurling Championship on a windswept Cushendun pitch last Saturday.   The wind dominated each half with Antrim leading 2-9 to 0-5 a the break. 

Even with the wind it was difficult to see a way back for Down in the second half.   Antrim only managed a goal and a point after the break whilst Down piled on the scores. The Ballycran combination of Coyle and Fowler lead the Down comeback.  Coyle scored 10 points in total, 7 of them from frees, whilst Fowler’s goal put the the mourne men well in contention.   Antrim clung on for a win on a scoreline of 3-10 to Down’s 1-13

A the final whistle Down Manager Mick Branniff was dissapointed by the loss but happy with the performance.  He felt in hindsight that Down didn’t get the luck with a few missed goal chances but the players preformed much better than the previous match against Derry.  Down continue their Ulster League campaign against Tyrone  on the 24th, venue to be confirmed.

Down: D Ennis, T Mc Manus, A Higgins, S Conlon, G Courtney, C Woods (0-2 Both Frees), P. Flynn, P Keith, K Maxwell, C. Gilmore, M. Magee, N Fowler (1-1), J Coyle (0-10, 0-7 Frees).

By Patrick Murphy, Down Hurling PRO