Experimental Down lose out

Experimental Down lose out

29 February 2012

DOWN senior hurlers slumped to a heavy defeat by Carlow at Dr Cullen Park in their opening game in the revised Allianz National Hurling League on Sunday.

However, the home side’s winning margin in no way reflects the terrific battle put up by what can only be described a depleted Down outfit who played with, heart, passion and pride throughout the match.

Inaccuracy cost them dearly. Down fired a total of 17 wides and could have caused a shock had they been more on target.

Down fielded without such seasoned and strong players like Fintan Conway, Graham Clarke, Sean Ennis, Gareth Johnson, Ben Toner, James Coyle, Stephen Clarke, Aaron O’Prey and Ciaran Coulter, who all starred in last year’s defeat of Carlow in Portaferry when Down won by 2-11 to 0-14.

They also had to call on star full forward Paul Braniff, who is recovering from an ankle operation and has just returned to training.

While Carlow deserved their victory, the manner in which Down failed to score in the final 25 minutes must be a worry for manager Gerard Monan.

Down attacked from the start but were off target four times before getting their first point from Donal Hughes.

Carlow settled and as Down continued to miss chances the hosts had points from Martin Kavanagh, who lobbed over three from frees, while Craig Doyle shot his side’s first goal midway through the half.

Down struck back quickly when a Paul Braniff free was flicked on by Kevin McGarry to Danny Toner who sent to the net. A further point by Toner kept Down in touch, but Carlow tagged on two points to lead by 1-9 to 1-2 at half time.

Down restarted strongly and four points from Paul Braniff left Carlow ahead by 1-11 to 1-6 ten minutes into the second half.

But those were the last scores for Down. A goal ten minutes from time by Carlow centre half back Shane Kavanagh from a long range free saw the home side take complete control. They hit a further 1-6 without reply with Martin Kavanagh getting their goal.

Down’s day of woe was complete eight minutes from time when corner back Paul Smyth was sent off for a second yellow card offence.

Down: D. Kearns; M. Hughes, C. Teague, P. Smyth; M. Cunningham, C. Woods, M. Ennis; L. Morgan, E. Clarke; D. Hughes (0-1), K. McGarry, C. Bailie; D. Toner (1-1), P. Braniff (0- 4 frees), A. Savage. Subs: B. Toner for Cunningham (46), P. Keith for Morgan (48), C. Mageean for D. Hughes (55), P. Sheehan for D. Toner (66), A. O’Prey for M. Hughes (68).

Carlow: F. Foley; A. Corcoran, E. Nolan, D. Shaw; J. Corcoran, S. Kavanagh (1-1), J. Rogers; R. Coady, J. Kavanagh; A. Gaule (0-2), J. Kane (0-2), P. Kehoe (0-1 free); M. Kavanagh (1-6, 0-4 frees), C. Doyle (1-3), D. Roberts (0-2). Subs: R. Smithers for Gaule (56), E. Coady for Rogers (59), A. McDonald for M. Kavanagh (60), K. McCabe for Roberts (65).

Referee: S. Cleere (Kilkenny).

Carlow 3-17

Down 1-6

NHL DIVISION 2A