Missed opportunities are costly for hurlers

Missed opportunities are costly for hurlers

8 May 2013

DOWN fell to a disappointing defeat in front of a poor crowd at Pairc Esler Newry, when Kerry took their chances and the home side didn’t.

Kerry made the most of their scoring opportunities early on and Aidan Boyle pounced on a loose ball in the square to give his side a lead they were not to relinquish.

Down responded with a goal of their own from Danny Toner, but a second gaol from Willie O’Dwyer handed Kerry a 2-11 to 1-8 interval lead, thanks mainly to seven points from Shane Nolan, two from Brendan O’Leary and one apiece from Colm Harty and Daniel Collins.

Down had the aid of a the wind in the second half and James Coyle had two quick points to begin their comeback, before Shane Nolan added a point making the score four minutes into the second half Kerry 2-12 Down 1-10.

Paul Braniff and Willie O’Dwyer exchanged points before James Coyle flashed the ball to the net leaving Kerry with a 2-13 to 2-12 lead.

Coyle had another point on 44 minutes for Down to level it and a great comeback from the Mournemen was on the cards.

Brendan O’Leary found the net for Kerry after receiving from Gary O’Brien with a quick breakaway against the run of play, and all the good work from Down had been undone.

Rochford came to the Kingdom’s rescue with a fine save from Coyle shortly after when he deflected a missile onto the crossbar and out of danger before Nolan added a point for Kerry.

This was cancelled out by Gareth Johnson with a cracking score, but it was too late to save Down.

Michael Turley, Paul Braniff and Kevin Mc Garry (2) had points for Down, while Willie O’Dwyer had a point for Kerry in between, Liam Boyle drove over from halfway, for the last score of the day Down now will play Armagh at Crossmaglen on Saturday at 3pm.

Kerry 3-16

Down 2-17

CHRISTY RING CUP