Men’s 3s Triumph over South Antrim in Junior Shield Opener
North Down Mens 3rd XI hosted South Antrim 4s in the first round of the Junior Shield on Saturday. The home team started well and controlled the game but where wasteful in the final third of the pitch with several opportunities coming to nothing. South caused problems themselves with one or two play makers carrying the ball too easily out from the back. North Down defence marshalled by Paul Beaney and Jonny Campbell kept chances to a minimum however Peter Gray was called upon with two fine saves. At the other end North won a short corner and with keeper beaten, Stephen Magee’s effort struck a foot on the line and a stroke was awarded. Skipper Sam Pyper stepped up and made no mistake firing into the roof to take the lead.
The second quarter was much the same with North maintaining the most of the possession but passing too many balls off the end of the pitch. At the half it remained 1-0 to the hosts. In the second half, the returning Rhys Barratt was causing havoc with excellent overhead aerials leading to a number of opportunities and a series of short corners. A well rehearsed short corner had Magee play a one-two with Pyper and the the Veteran finished well with a low flick to make it 2 nil. Another short corner soon followed and this time Pyper beat the runner and switched left to David Burch who’s shot was saved only for Guy McGonigle to get the rebound and make it 3-0 and wrap the game up.
Burch Auto’s MOTM was Robin McMullan who was box to box supporting attacking play and relentless in his defensive duties.
Thanks to Jim Patterson for umpiring