Sport

Down withstand late comeback

NHL DIVISION TWO Down 3-15 Laois 3-11: THREE UNANSWERED goals in the final five minutes by Laois ensured an exciting finish …

Mon Mar 28 2011 - 01:00

NHL DIVISION TWO Down 3-15 Laois 3-11:THREE UNANSWERED goals in the final five minutes by Laois ensured an exciting finish in this Division Two game in McKenna Park, Ballycran, yesterday.

But Down refused to be overcome and after a terrific display of first-time hurling they deserved their victory.

In a game played at a terrific pace Down dominated for some 64 minutes. However, if the Laois attack had accepted half the chances which came their way they could have collected both points. They shot 18 frees to nine by their opponents.

Down opened strongly and led by 0-4 to 0-1 after 10 minutes, with two points from Paul Braniff and one each from Gareth Johnson and Eoin Clarke. Willie Hyland pointed the Laois free.

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Twice points were exchanged before Braniff from a free and Andy Savage scored Down points, while midway through the half Braniff finished off a pass from Andy Savage for a goal. Three minutes later Gareth Johnson cut inside following a James Coyle pass for another goal and although Laois finished with two John Brophy points, Down led by 2-8 to 0-6 at half time.

Four minutes into the second half John Brophy pointed for Laois but Down replied with points from Braniff and Benny Ennis.

Willie Hyland pointed two Laois frees but, in a three-minute spell midway through the half, Down struck for their third goal from Gareth Johnson while Braniff added two points as they led by 3-14 to 0-10 with six minutes to go.

Laois staged a great late rally with two goals from substitute Neil Foyle and one from Willie Hyland but Down held out for the win.

DOWN: G Clarke; M Hughes. F Conway, S Ennis; C Coulter, C Woods, M Ennis; A Savage (0-1), E Clarke (0-1); G Johnson (2-2), S Clarke, B Ennis (0-2); A O'Prey, P Braniff (1-7, 0-2 frees), J Coyle (0-2). Subs: C O'Prey for A O'Prey (55 mins); K Keating for G Clarke (69 mins).

LAOIS: P Mullaney; JA Delaney, B Campion; B Stapleton; B Smith, M Whelan, B Galvin; J Walsh, S Burke; B Dunne, W Hyland (1-5, four frees), C Murray (0-1); O Holohan, G Reddin, J Brophy (0-3). Subs: C Dunne for B Smith (blood, 10 mins),B Smith for Dunne (23 mins), N Costello for S Burke (half-time), E Costello (0-2) for O Holohan (half-time), N Foyle (2-0) for C Murray (48 mins).

Referee : E Hasson(Derry).