Antrim Hurling League Division 1

Dunloy 2-18 Portaferry 3-23

Portaferry maintained their unbeaten run in Division 1 of the Antirm Hurling League when they travelled to Dunloy on Friday evening and came away with an eight point win to make it 4 wins from 4.

On the pace from the opening minute, the Down men lead by 3 points after a high scoring opening half. (1-10 to 0-16). After the change of ends they withstood an early fightback by what was an understrength Dunloy side, but two quick goals swung the game back firmly in their favour and the finished with a flourish scoring five of the last six points of the game.

Both teams were quick out of the traps and it was 3 pointes each after three minutes. Midfielder Fionn Turpin put them 0-4 t 0-3 ahead but Dunloy came back points from Kevin McKeague and Chrissy McMahon, plus a goal from Ryan Mort to open up a 1-5 to 0-5 lead. However Portaferry never faltered and they fought back with a series of excellent points from Diathi Sands, Eoghan Sands, Ronan Blair, Ryan O’Neill and Matthew Conlan to lead by 0-16 to 1-10 at the half time.

A goal from Matthew Conlon early in the second half doubled the Portaferry lead, but Dunloy hit back with four points on the trot from Ciaran Elliott, Nicky McKeague (2) and the returning Ozzy Nigel Elliott to bring them back into contention. However Portaferry continued to hold the upper hand, and goals from Ryan O’Neill and Daithi Sands, which saw the full forward dive full length and flick to the net after he had initially lost control, gave them back control and they went on to win by eight in the end.