Downpatrick see off Burren aces with power show

Downpatrick see off Burren aces with power show

29 August 2012

DOWNPATRICK’S recent rich vein of form continued on Thursday past when they overcame county champions and league leaders Burren in a real war of attrition at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil.

This was the first meeting of the teams in the county town for the best part of a decade and it is games against this opposition that will bring this young Hoops side on.

The internet message boards were quick to point out after wards that Burren were short of a number of regular starters, but the same could be said of RGU, notably Captain Jarlath Branagan, Ryan Slavin and Sean Bell.

But more pleasing for Downpatrick was the age profile of this side, 12 of whom are 23 and under, and their introduction to Division 1 football in a year when there is no relegation will do them no harm at all.

On the night this was a well deserved victory fighting back from a 0-5 to 0-1 1 deficit after 15 minutes to limit Burren to three points in the remaining 45 minutes of play.

Indeed, Burren only scored two from play and in the second half their only score was a pointed long range free from their ‘keeper.

Some soft frees early on allowed the visitors to open a four point lead after Karl Oakes had pointed a long range dead ball. But with Oakes in imperious form pointing two more frees and Isaac McCauley (inset) hitting the net after some great approach play, this left the Hoops a point down at half-time

The second half was where this victory was eked out. This was a s much to do with an excellent defensive displays from RGU whose harrying and hard hitting put Burren off their stride at very opportunity, most notably by Anthony Doherty, Declan Turley and John Polly whose performances belied their years, but who were well supported by the relatively experienced Gerdie Collins, Damien Turley and Conor Curran.

In midfield Peter Turley was at his majestic best and was the standout player on view with a fantastic show of fielding, tackling and surging runs and one can only wonder why his undoubted strengths were not utilised more by the county team this year.

His midfield partner, veteran Kevin Gracey, chipped in with two points equalled only by young Conor McGrady at full forward who was a constant thorn in the Burren defence in the second half, as was substitute Liam Kearney whose pace and direct running style had them reeling at times.

As manager Paul Evans stated afterwards there was still only two points on offer for this victory, but it did send out a statement that through hard work and team work the future is bright and in safe hands.

Next up is an away fixture at Bryansford on Friday night.

Downpatrick 1-7

Burren 0-8

ACFL DIVISION 1