The format of the South Down U16 Championship sees Cumann Pheadair Naofa, Saval and Mayobridge in the same group and they will play each other once in a round-robin format to determine the “shape” of the quarter finals.
The young blues commenced their campaign on Thursday evening away to Saval and as expected a thrilling match ensued. After an unsettled start from both teams Warrenpoint registered the first score, a point, through a fine long range effort from Lorcan Ruane, Lorcan was on the score sheet again soon after, this time raising the green flag, to make it 1.01 to no score after 7 minutes.
Saval, however were not panicked, indeed they took the next five scores, all points, and they were settling into the game nicely as the half progressed. The ‘Point boys weathered the storm and added a further 1.01 to their tally, through a goal from JJ Ucar and a point from Cain McLoughlin. Saval also added 1.01 to their haul, leaving the half time score 1.06 to 2.02, in favour of Saval.
The home team got the perfect start to the second half, registering 2 early goals and thus increasing their lead to 7 points, however this seemed to spur the ‘Point lads on and in a purple patch mid way through the second half the blues notched up 2.04 without reply, both majors and 3 of the 4 points coming from Cian McLoughlin, meaning the ‘Point were now 3 up.
Saval reacted by getting a goal themselves and with 10 minutes to go the game was back to all square. The home team managed 2 more points but the young blues were not for giving up and finished strongly, registering another 2.02, leaving the final score 6.08 to 4.08 in Warrenpoints favour.
Next up in the championship is a home match against Mayobridge.
