Match Report

Down SHL:Ballyvarley 2-15Bredagh 1-4

With the Ulster League campaign firmly behind them, Ballyvarley saved their best performance of the season for the opening game of the Down Senior Hurling League as they crushed visiting Bredagh by fourteen points at the Scarva Road venue. A youthful Ballyvarley side were firing on all cylinders in this entertaining encounter and in the end their passion and commitment proved too much for a fancied Bredagh side.

Ballyvarley dominated proceedings right from the start with midfielders Ciaran Connolly and Paul O’Neill in particularly inspiring form, whereas up front youngsters Tony Hegarty and Patrick Mackensupplied the energy and veteran Colm O’Neill the guile as the Reds accumulated seventeen scores and threatened so many more. Tony Hegarty opened the scoring with a fine solo and shot over the bar in just twenty seconds and it was all pretty much plain sailing after that. Paul O’Neill hit four great points on the run and added three more from frees to ease the Reds into a comfortable lead. Mike Starr opened Bredagh’s account with a point midway through the half and just moments later the visitors breached the Red’s rear-guard for the only time in the game with an opportunist goal. However the goal proved to be just a momentary blip as Cathal O’Neill, James McGrath, Thomas Lennon and Adam Twohig were in unbeatable form in defence and were ably supported by stylish play and long clearances from Eunan McConville, Jamie Murray and Sean Kennedy. Up at the other end John O’Neill and Colm O’Neill rapped over two more fine points and fine goalkeeping from former County star, Lorenzo McMullan thwarted Steven Daly, Tony Hegarty and John O’Neill from certain goals.

Half time:Ballyvarley 0-10Bredagh 1-1

Ballyvarley began the second half as they had ended the first, pushing forward with enthusiasm and energy and keeping the visitors firmly on the back foot. Patrick Macken soloed through for the opening point before Colm O’Neill took on the visitors defence and burst through to send an explosive drive to the far corner of the net. Ten minutes later Colm powered his way through for an almost identical goal and, but for the brilliance of net-minder McMullan, the Reds goal tally could have been so much greater. Two points from play from Paul O’Neill and another from a free eased the Reds towards the finishing post. The performances of the subs in the final quarter was another pleasing aspect of this game with Leigh McConville, Jonathan Lennon and Michael McKay, in particular, putting in lively performances and the latter finished the scoring with a great point from play. Bredagh failed to get much change from the Reds defence in the second period and had to settle for just three further points, all from frees.

Final Score:Ballyvarley2-15 Bredagh1-4

Cathal O’Neill; Adam Twohig, Thomas Lennon, Eunan McConville; Sean Kennedy, James McGrath, Jamie Murray; Paul O’Neill(0-10), Ciaran Connolly; Tony Hegarty(0-1), Patrick Macken(0-1), James McConville; Colm O’Neill(2-1), Steven Daly, John O’Neill(0-1).

Subs: Peter McConville, Leigh McConville, Jonathan Lennon, Michael McKay(0-1), Ciaron Davis