BY PATRICK MURPHY

Down 2-19  Leitrim 0-9.

Down Junior Hurlers won their third match in a row, when they overcame a determined Leitrim side in the Leinster Shield, at the official opening of Ballela’s new pitch on Sunday.  It was a victory built on team-work, determination and fine hurling skills.

Playing against a strong breeze, the home team led by 1-10 to 0-4 at half time.  A goal from Eoin McGuinness and a fine display of point-taking from Murphy (5), Courtney (1) and Jennings (1) reflected the Down men’s dominance in all areas of the field.

Leitrim altered their formation at half-time and brought on two substitutes.  For the first 20 minutes of the second half they matched Down point for point.  But a well-taken goal by Jonathan McCusker after 23 minutes gave Down the platform for a final rally during which Tom Jennings knocked over three fine points.

Down Midfielder John Murphy who finished the day with a tally of 0-5

Overall Down gave a polished performance.  The only negative aspect of their play was the ten wides, a tally which they will be unable to afford in next week-end’s crunch tie away to Louth.

The four Ballela players – Dan and Jonathan McCusker, Gary McMullan and, captain for the day, Danny Doran - all played an important role in Down’s victory.  Their pride and passion was fitting for the opening of their home pitch.

Down: G McMullan, J McGrath, B McAleenan, P McCusker, J Brown, A McGuinness, D McCusker, J Murphy, D Doran, D McGovern, K Courtney, T Jennings, J McCusker, E McGuinness, A Brown.

Subs: F Conway for D McGovern, M Murphy for A Brown, E Hardy for J McCusker and R Mulligan for K Courtney.

Scorers: J McCusker 1-3, J Murphy 0-5 (0-2 frees), E McGuinness 1-2, T Jennings 0-4, A Brown 0-2, K Courtney 0-2 (0-1 free), J Brown 0-1.