Down held to draw in epic Wicklow test

Down held to draw in epic Wicklow test

14 March 2012

DOWN’S senior hurlers failed to hold off a late Wicklow rally, but managed a draw in this, at times, exciting Allianz NHL Division 2A game in Pairc Esler on Sunday.

The 300 spectators enjoyed an exciting game as each side in turn dominated the play. However, Down’s inability to control midfield and conceding needless frees contributed to their failing to win their first game in this year’s competition.

They paid the penalty with Wicklow full forward Jonathan O’Neill pointing seven frees, including three in the final five minutes, to give his side a draw.

They also were unable to obtain possession from the breaking ball which allowed Carlow an added advantage.

Indeed, it was evident that the winners were the fitter side and time and time again Down

were second in the race for possession.

The hurling throughout was keenly contested. However, Wicklow showed greater skills and fitness and were most deserving of their point which was their second draw in the competition, having already shared the points with Derry in their opening game.

Wicklow dominated midfield for most of the game with Eamon Kearns and Ronan Keddy shading Eoin Clarke and Andy Savage.

The Down half back line of Michael Cunningham, Conor Woods and Michael Ennis, as well as full back Sean Ennis, played hard throughout.

In attack Paul Braniff, who scored a goal and six points, was Down’s most impressive attacker ably assisted by Paul Sheehan and Danny Toner, but they found it hard to overcome the first time tackling of Billy Cuddihy, Tommy Doyle and Graham Keogh in the Wicklow defence.

The first quarter was a close affair with the sides level at 0-3 each with Paul Braniff scoring two of the Down points and John Connors doing likewise for Wicklow.

Three points from frees by Jonathan O’Neill shot Wicklow ahead, but Down replied with points from Kevin McGarry (inset) and Paul Keith before Andy O’Brien and John Connors pointed to give Wicklow a 0-8 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Down had the better of the third quarter and levelled with two Paul Braniff points. Twice, points were exchanged before a goal from Paul Braniff saw Down lead by 1-11 to 0-12 midway through the half.

Wicklow fought back again to draw level with points from Geoffrey Bermingham and the alert O’Neill with points levelled with 12 minutes left.

Down were playing some attractive hurling and with ten minutes left they produced the best score of the game when a four-man move saw the diligent Danny Toner race in for a second Down goal.

But that was their last score. Wicklow, thanks to the accurate Jonathan O’Neill, pointed three frees, with the last coming two minutes into added time to secure a deserved share of the points.

Down: S. Keith, C. Teague , S. Ennis, M. Hughes, M. Cunningham, C. Woods, M. Ennis, E. Clarke, A. Savage, D. Hughes, K. McGarry (0-2) , P. Sheehan (0-2), D. Toner (1-0), P. Braniff (1-6, 0-1 free), P. Keith (0-1). Subs: F. Conway for Savage (48), C. Bailie for D. Hughes (50), C. Mageean for P. Keith (52), A. O’Prey for McGarry (60), J. Coyle for Sheehan (70).

Down 2-11

Wicklow 0-17

ALLIANZ NHL DIVISION 2A