Down Intermediate Championship final: Saul 3-10 Drumgath 0-14
SAUL captured the Down intermediate football title yesterday afternoon thanks to a goal-laden display against Drumgath in Páirc Esler.
Drumgath were quickest out of the traps in Newry, points from Mark Connolly (0-2), half-backs Cathal Tumilty and Colm Maginn and Shea Byrne putting them four in front within the first 10 minutes. However, it was then that Lorcan Harney struck for Saul’s first major to reduce the deficit to one.
The sides swapped points before Ruairí O’Hare drove to the net to leave Saul leading by two. Mark Connolly’s accuracy managed to drag Drumgath level by the short whistle, 2-4 to 0-10.
Drumgath rued a number of wides early in the second-half, however, while Ciarán Harney, substitute Philip Traynor and Jamie Morgan all converted for Saul to leave them three in front.
When Pierce Laverty struck for Saul’s third major shortly after the water break, it began to look like mission improbable for Drumgath.
Drumgath huffed and puffed but they couldn’t find a way through the Saul defence. Colm Maginn and Pierce Laverty were both given their marching orders shortly before the final whistle as Saul cruised to victory.
On Saturday, a late point from Mattie Bagnall ensured Glenn will be playing senior football in Down next year as they won the relegation play-off against Darragh Cross on a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-12.
