BY PATRICK MURPHY

Down 4 – 11  Louth 1-6

Down Junior Hurlers won their final match in the Leinster Shield against a strong Louth side at Dundalk.  But although Down top the table, no one from the Leinster Council was available to confirm whether they had won the competition or must now meet the runners-up in a play-off.

Assured throughout, John Brown of Liatroim at his best

Played in a steady downpour, the game was marked by Down’s superiority in all parts of the field.  Manager Paddy Braniff’s decision to play Jonathan McCusker and Eoin McGuinness as a two-man full forward line proved the master stroke of the match.

With a steady supply of good ball played into them, they made life difficult for the Louth defence.  Man of the match McCusker, in particular had a fine game, scoring 4-4 in total.  Full forward, Davy McGovern, played effectively as an extra half-forward and with the Down midfield and defence denying Louth the room to play, the result was never in doubt.

Dan McCusker making life difficult for his marker

Down led by 3-4 to 1-4 at half-time, three of Louth’s points coming from frees.  But the home team managed only two points in the second half.  Down’s superiority grew as the match progressed and with further goals from McCusker and points from Murphy, McGovern and Brown, Down ran out easy winners in the end.

Down’s platform for success lay in the half-back line of Artie McGuinness, Fintan Conway and Dan McCusker.   It was the entire team’s passing ability and willingness to work for each other which sealed such a comprehensive victory.  They now await word from the Leinster Council on what happens next.

Castlewellan's Tom Jennings had an outstanding game at half forward

Down: D Kearns, J McGrath, B McAleenan, P McCusker, D McCusker, F Conway, A McGuinness, J Murphy, D Doran, J Brown, K Courtney, T Jennings, J McCusker, D McGovern, E McGuinness.  Subs: J O’Kane for E McGuinness.

Scorers: J McCusker 4-4, J Murphy 0-3(0-2 frees), D McGovern 0-2, E McGuinness 0-1, J Brown 0-1(free).