In the 2017 Down All County Hurling League Division Two, the blues came out on top with a scoreline of: Cumann Pheadaír Naofa 3-11 V Bredagh 2-12
On Wednesday evening in beautiful sunshine at Páirc Liam Uí hÍr, the senior hurlers recorded their second win of the league campaign by defeating Breadgh in a nail biting finish that saw the boys record the win by two points.
Despite being beset by a number of injures, the hurlers got out to a quick start with Niall McParland, John O’Kane and James O’Hare with a well taken goal all registering scores in the first period. With Bredagh travelling just 14 players, the field had an unbalanced look, with plenty of passes going astray. Breadgh’s strong half back line had a purple patch in the second quarter, leading to three scores without reply.
A big plus for the senior side will be the vastly improved discipline in defending. Having given over ten pointed frees to Ballela and six to Ballycran last week, there was a renewed effort to stop attacks with good swarming tackles. This new approach yielded just three scores from placed balls in the 60 minutes.
A couple of great John O’Kane goals gave the blues some separation in the early second half, but Bredagh came with two goals of their own. The ball carrying of Antoin Magill and the defensive steel of Tommy Daly were vital in weathering this second half storm.
With the game in the balance, Mark Rafferty and Fergal Murphy made a couple of great interceptions, and the seniors moved ahead by a score. A long clearance by Eugene McConville found Tomás Magill in the corner who pointed from the tightest of angles to secure the win.
The seniors now sit third in the table, with CPN, Carryduff and table toppers Ballela looking like the class of the league.
Next fixture is away to Ballyvarley on Monday evening, where the seniors will look to make a hat trick of wins in league play. Towards the end of May will see the start of Ulster League play also begin, providing a busy spring schedule of fixtures
