Match Report

Reds draw first league match in 2008

Date Filed: 06 June 2008


Senior Hurling League
Clonduff Vs Ballyvarley
Ballyvarley's senior hurlers began their league campaign with an away game to Clonduff last Tuesday night. Playing with the wind in the first period the Reds dominated with early scores coming from Paul O'Neill(2) and David McGovern before five minutes had gone. In defence they were tight with Thomas Lennon and David Lavery leading the way with some crunching but fair tackles. Upfront the Reds were creating numerous chances and just failed to add to their tally due to the last ditch tackles and tireless running of the home defence. Ciaran Connolly was covering well and winning ball in the middle and it looked as if the game could be over before the break. Clonduff were restricted to place balls with Clonduff's John Murphy unusually wasteful.
As the half went on Paul O'Neill and David McGovern were showing well upfront. Chances came to Ballyvarley off the hard work of Niall Higgins and James McDermott as Ballyvarley stretched their lead to seven points with the home side unable to score. The Reds though didnt make the most of their possession yet they still led by 0-7 to 0-1 at the break.
HALF-TIME: Clonduff 0-1 Ballyvarley 0-7 
On the restart a dubious early free awarded to the home side set the tone for the rest of the half. Frees were the order of the day with a contest in accurate place ball striking taking place between Ballyvarley's Paul O'Neill and Clonduff's John Murphy. Point after point from frees went over from Clonduff so that with 10 minutes left the Reds found themselves two points in arrears.
In a bid to get back into the game Eunan McConville went upfront, Paul O'Neill moved to midfield and Colm O'Neill moved to centre half-back. A few minutes later James McGrath moved to the half-forward line. The changes began to have the right effect as slowly the Reds won more possession and tuned it into scores. David McGovern led the way with a good lift, turn and strike over the bar while Paul O'Neill struck twice. The Hilltown men replied through Eddie Clancy and John Murphy, before Paul O'Neill leveled it with a 30 yard pointed free. The Reds went for the winner but time was against them and the two teams shared the spoils.
FULL-TIME: Clonduff 0-12  Ballyvarley 0-12
This was a useful start to the season with a very young Reds team taking to the field. Stewart Cartmill and Jamie Murray both made their debuts and worked hard throughout.
Ballyvarley's senior hurlers play Warrenpoint at home on Tuesday 6th May, Castlewellan away on 13th May and Portaferry at home on 20th May.
Team: Cathal O’Neill, Thomas Lennon, James McGrath, Jamie Murray, Sean Kennedy, Eunan McConville, David Lavery, Ciaran Connolly, Colm O'Neill, Conor McClorey, David McGovern (0-2), Niall Higgins, Paul O’Neill (0-10), James McDermott, Stewart Cartmill.
Subs: Sean O’Neill, Niall Savage, Pat McGrath, Michael Cairns, Colin O'Neill