Down’s big hitters lock horns

By Shaun Casey

ALL the big hitters made it through the opening round of the Down Senior Championship unscathed, and a few will have to lock horns this weekend to continue their unbeaten journeys.

The big fixture in round two is arguably Burren’s meeting with Mayobridge, but Kilcoo’s clash with Clonduff in a repeat of last year’s feisty semi-final is another eye-catching encounter.

Burren had the biggest win of the opening rounds as they hammered last season’s Intermediate Championship winners Liatroim, with the St Mary’s outfit having 18 points to spare in the end.

Burren, who made the county final last season and are targeting their first championship title since 2018, had Odhran Murdock and Ryan Treanor to thank for their goals.

Kilcoo’s first round test was much tougher as they edged out Loughinisland by three points, but as is often the case, the Magpies survived. Another massive assignment awaits on Monday night, with Gearoid Adams’ Clonduff keen to claim their scalp.

Clonduff were four-point winners over Warrenpoint last Monday evening and it’s back to Páirc Esler for their round two showdown with the reigning champions.

There were four red cards flashed last season, but the scoreboard was where it counted, and Karl Lacey’s men were worthy 2-15 to 1-7 winners on the night.

Carryduff got their championship charge up and running with a win over Division Three league champions Glenn and Bredagh stand between them and the next round. Bredagh were nine-point winners over Longstone, but Carryduff are a step up in class.

Bryansford rattled off three goals in their first-round win over Saul while Ballyholland, their opponents this weekend, raised two green flags as they saw off RUG Downpatrick. On last week’s evidence, this could be a goal-fest with Seamus Loughran standing out for the Harps.

For the round two games amongst the losers, this is last chance saloon.

RUG Downpatrick will hope to bounce back as they take on Liatroim.

Glenn’s first round test against Carryduff was a rough way to start the campaign, and last year’s semi-finalists will be much more comfortable in meeting Castlewellan on Friday evening.

Castlewellan’s first round loss to Mayobridge would have been a bitter pill to swallow, losing by 12 points, and they will need to up their performance to book their spot in the next round.

Saul and Loughinisland will lock horns on Saturday, hoping to put their name in the hat for round three, while Longstone and Warrenpoint will have similar ambitions.

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