THIS was a disastrous defeat for Downpatrick compounded with the result of An Riocht’s win at Clonduff which sends the Hoops into the bottom three of the division and facing a real league struggle for survival.
Yes, they were missing six regulars away on holiday, but it is questionable if their availability would have made much difference against a superb Bryansford.
Bryansford had the better start and four points from Davy McKibbin — three from frees — and three from Danny Savage, who was instrumental in nearly every attack, put them seven points in front.
It was at this point that left back Damian Braniff received a black card to be replaced by former county player Michael Magee, who was making his first appearance of the season after a long lay-off with injury.
Savage added another point before the RGU registered their first score of the game with a Conor McGrady 21-yard free.
Jim Prenter is going to be a star for the future and a surging run from midfield added a second point for the visitors.
Rory Wells spoiled the Savage and McKibbin show with a point from play until the Hoops finished the half strongly with points from McGrady with a 45 yard free and a point from play by Ruari Quinn. Half-time Bryansford 0-9 Downpatrick 0-4.
The visiting supporters were hoping for a better second half performance from their side, but did’t get it as Bryansford continued their total domination. Points from Aaron McCartan, Donal McKibbin and Savage increased the home side’s lead to eight.
Peter Turley was not giving his usual majestic display, but still ran the full length of the field to score his side’s first point of the second half.
But any chance of a revival was short-lived as wave after wave of Bryansford’s attack began to demoralise the RGU.
A Savage point was followed by a Jimmy Hanna goal to leave Downpatrick 11 points adrift.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, county star Anthony Dorothy received the visitors’ second black card of the evening to be replaced by Owen McEvoy.
There was no let-up by Bryansford and further points from Higgins, McKibbin (two) and Laverty stretched the home’s advantage to fifteen points.
Sean McCrissican came on for his debut for the RGU and scored a delightful point, showing his more illustrious team-mates how it should be done. Burns for Bryansford finished the evening’s scoring from play to end the Hoops misery.
The RGU have seven league matches left, starting with a home match against Clonduff this Friday evening.
Points are vital, so it is important that the supporters come out in their droves to show the club that they care and support their team in their difficult position.
Bryansford: M Reid, A McDonald, S Toner, R McDonald, A Ward, D McDonald, N Higgins (0-1), Davy McKibbin (0-6), R Wells (0-1), A McCartan (0-1), C Maginn, J Hanna (1-0), Donal McKibbin (0-1), P Downey, D Savage (0-6). Sub: C Burns (0-1).
RGU: K Gracey, C McGarrity, A Doherty, D Braniff, R Murphy, J Bell, C Doherty, P Turley (0-1), C Boyd, J Louden, S Bell, J Prenter (0-1), R Quinn (0-1), C McGrady (0-2), M Robinson. Sub: S McCrissican (0-1). RGU Substitutes: J Shields for M Robinson. C Fegan for P Turley, D Turley for J Prenter. S McCrissican for R Murphy. Black cards: M Magee for D Braniff. O McEvoy for A Doherty.