DOWN/SH Final: Portaferry produced a brilliant second half defensive display against a strong breeze to overcome their great rivals Ballygalget and retain their Down Harp Lager SHC title in a nail biting finish in Pairc Tomas Ruiseil, Downpatrick, yesterday. This victory also saw them achieve their first three in a row wins in the history of the club.

This was a real thriller throughout mainly because of the closeness of the scoring. The hurling may not have been from the top drawer but the large crowd enjoyed some excellent scores with Portaferry's Paul Braniff notching 10 of his side's points. Ballygalget played their part in an exciting struggle but it was their inability to take scores which cost their victory.

PORTAFERRY: G Smyth; E Adair (capt), S Murray, J Trainor; M Mallon, B Coleman, B Milligan; B Braniff, G Adair; J Convery (0-3), G McGrattan, P Braniff (0-10); E Trainor (0-1), P Mallon, N Sands. Sub: P Rodgers for E Trainor

BALLYGALGET: G Clarke; L Clarke, E Dorrian, B Smith (capt); B McGrattan, G Clarke, T Coulter; P Monan, B Gallagher; P Coulter, B Coulter, J McGrattan (0-2); M Coulter (0-1), G Johnson (2-0), P Coulter (1-1). Sub: S Clarke for J McGrattan.

Referee: F. McDonald (Bosco).

Portaferry ... 0-14

Ballygalget ... 3-4