Down Minor Hurlers reached
the final of the Ulster Hurling Championship
with a win over a spirited Armagh team. Leading
from the start, Down were 1 - 4 to 0 - 2 ahead
after 12 minutes. The Down goal was a blistering
25 yard shot from full forward Conor Dorrian
and was quickly added to with points from corner
forward Conor Doran. Over the next 7 minutes
Dorrian added a second goal and a further 2
points with the other corner forward Toner adding
another goal to give Down a comfortable lead.
Down lost their concentration
and for the next 5 minutes Armagh showed their
prowess in attack. Two goals from their full
forward and a further point from a free left
the score 3-8 to 2-4 in Down’s favour
after 23 minutes.
Down initially found it hard
to reignite their forward line. They regained
their tenacity only when the Armagh goalie failed
to control Paul O’Neill’s long ball
which was then sent to the net by
Conor Doran. A further 1-2 left Down leading
5-10 to 2-4 at half time.
The second half started with
Armagh the better team. They dominated play
for the first ten minutes and knocked over 3
points. However, as in the first half, Down
got their scores with much less effort.
In 3 attacks Toner had added 2-1 to Down’s
total and Armagh’s self belief began to
dry up. Further scores from Toner, Doran and
Cunningham amounting to 1-4 ensured victory
for Down. Despite the
final score of the game being a goal for Armagh,
Down won on a score line of 8-14 to 3-9.
The match was more competitive
than the score line suggests. Armagh can take
pride from their 3-9, which is a decent return
in any match. Down now face a step up in class
against Antrim or Derry. Though they played
well today they will have to up their
performance if they are to lift the Ulster Minor
title.
Team P. McNally, J Smith, F
Rodgers, M Hughes, M Teague , A O’Prey
(0-1), M Taylor, S Conlon, M Cunningham (0-1),
P O’Neill (0-1), D Ennis (0-1), C Mageean,
D Toner (3-4), C Dorrian (2-2), C Doran (3-4)
