Down set for Meath test in Christy Ring

22 May 2013

DOWN booked their place in the semi-finals of the Christy Ring Cup against Meath after a tough, winner takes all clash with Derry at Pairc Esler on Saturday.

The game began in wet conditions, not ideal for hurling, and Derry were 0-2 to 0-1 ahead after only four minutes with a free from Paddy Henry and a point from Brendan Rodgers, Down’s score came from Paul Braniff with a strong run down the stand side and cool finish.

The rain was playing its part and there were no more scores until the 23rd minute when Aaron Kelly picked up a loose ball to point from 30m.

Scott Nicholson responded for Down when he fielded superbly out on the wing and struck

the sliothar sweetly over for the point.

Danny Toner then had a shot for goal brilliantly tipped over by McDermott in the Derry nets to level matters and with 32 minutes gone Down took the lead for the first time with a point from Gareth Johnson, Hinphey responded for Derry, and with points from frees for Braniff and one for Derry form Henry, the teams went in at half-time on five points each.

The second half started with much the same conditions and probably both teams knew that it wasn’t going to be a high scoring affair and that a goal would be a major factor in the outcome of the contest.

Points were exchanged between Braniff and Henry to leave it six each. Then on six minutes Derry were awarded a penalty and the chance for the goal had come, Alan Johnston struck the sliothar poorly, though, and it was easily saved and cleared by the Down defence.

Down had introduced Cormac Flynn for Ciaran Coulter and Michael Turley for Kevin McGarry and Derry had brought in Brendan Quigley early in the half.

Derry then added a point this time from Paddy Kelly. The game as a contest was to take a major turn in the 12 minute of the second half.

Michael Ennis ran through the heart of the Derry defence with a superb run only to be brutally taken out by Hinphey after he had passed the ball, from the resultant free, just outside the 21, directly in front of goals, Braniff stepped up and drilled it to the top corner and Down had the goal.

Game changing this proved to be and from the puck out Down again picked up the ball and with a quick delivery into the inside forward line, Turley had slipped his man and as he and the ‘keeper went to contest the high ball he was able to get the most delicate touch and the sliothar nestled in the corner of the net just inside the left post.

Down were suddenly five points up and with scores at a premium in the conditions, it was a major turning point for the home side.

Derry added points from a Henry free and McCloskey, but Down were well on top at his stage and with Turley again sticking over from well out on the wing, they were finishing the stronger team.

Derry were awarded a dubious penalty on 58 minutes, but it was not going to be their day as it was again saved on the line by Down and easily cleared to safety, the score was to remain 2-7 to 0-9 until injury time when Johnny McCusker, who had replaced Coyle on 34 minutes, stepped up to take a great goal after he had been found inside by a great delivery from Fintan Conway.

He rounded the ‘keeper to finish to an empty net and the game was over with Down running out winners by 3-7 to 0-9.

Down 3-7

Derry 0-9

CHRISTY RING CUP QUARTER-FINAL

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