Ballycran 2-30 Bredagh 1-12
Bredagh senior hurlers sponsored by Used Cars NI stepped into the Lions Den tonight and came away mauled by 21 points. Yes McKenna Park was an unforgiving place as a strong fast moving Ballycran were just too strong and showed why they are reigning champions and top of the group with a 100% record. The home team did not however have it all their own way as Bredagh had their moments throughout the game where they showed they could compete at this level.
Ballycran fired over some fine points from play and placed balls but the Bredagh full back line of Laurence Smyth, Tom McGukian and Niall Smyth and goal keeper Ian Galway quelled a number of raids on the Bredagh goals as the Ards men really went for the jugular. They did break through for goals, one in each half, Colm McManus and the impressive Stuart Martin finding the Bredagh net.
Bredagh midfield pairing of Joe Hanrahan and Mark Patterson put in strong performances and contributed 3 points from play Bredagh’s main scoring threat came from their full forward line. Ronan Costello got the Bredagh goal in the second half when he took on the Ballycran defence and charged through to fire past Declan Ennis. Donal Hughes at full forward marauded out the field making life difficult for his country cousins while Sean Hughes was unerring from the dead ball. Bredagh emptied the bench and Michael Napier caught the eye when introduced.
That completes the first round of 3 games and we have to do it all over again. Senior hurling is a big step up for this young Bredagh squad but they are enjoying the challenge are learning from every game. First up in the second round is a home game against Ballygalget which is set for Sunday, venue Carryduff.
Bredagh Scorers
Sean Hughes 0-6 (0-5f)
Ronan Costello 1-1
Mark Patterson 0-2
Donal Hughes 0-1
Joe Hanrahan 0-1
Niall McFarland 0-1 (0-1f)
