Camogie Down v Antrim 19th February 2012

Down Minors played Antrim in a challenge match at the weekend in preparation for their All-Ireland championship which commences on Saturday 25th in An Riocht  (2pm Throw-in). 

DOWN GAA OFFICIAL

This was only the second outing for this newly formed squad and they provided the supporters with a very encouraging display of camogie.    Down got off to a great start with a well taken point from captain, Niamh Mallon.   The match proved to be a very physical encounter with both teams having to work hard for every ball.  The Down half back line of Cliona Murtagh, Maria Higgins and Nicola O’Gorman gave an exemplary performance quelling many of the Antrim attacks.  This provided Down with the impetus to push forward and Niamh Mallon’s penetrating runs forced Antrim to adopt a sweeper.   There were also some encouraging performances from Brid McGourty and Deirbhla Savage.  On the day though, goals proved to be the decisive factor with Antrim eventually winning the match 3-09 to 1-09 but there was very little between the two teams.  Overall this was a very encouraging start to the season and bodes well for the future of Down Camogie.  
Down scorers  (Niamh Mallon 0-6, Deirbhla Savage 1-0, Aoife Keown 0-1, Jane MacAleenan 0-1, Brid McGourty 0-1)