The U14's were at home to Saul last Monday evening in the East Down U14B Championship. After both clubs lost their opening group games it was vitally important to get a result to remain in contention for a place in the semi finals. For only the third time this season the 'Fin had their strongest squad available for selection while Saul were without key personnel. This made all the difference but the 'Fin still had to work their socks off for the hour. At half time the 'Fin led 6-8 to 2-5 and saw efforts smack the crossbar on four occasions. In the second half the 'Fin dominated the opening fifteen minutes to score 1-8 without reply to build up an unassailable lead. Saul continued to threaten and scored 3-1 over the last quarter with Morgan Croskery making four brilliant saves as they hunted the goals to try pull back the deficit. The 'Fin added a further 1-5 to see out a comfortable win in the end. Substitute Peter O'Hare also saw a late goal chance well saved by the Saul keeper. Final score Aughlisnafin 8-21 Saul 5-6.

The 'Fin goalkeeper Morgan Croskery was in fine form and was well protected by the back five of Callum Haynes, Jamie Allen, Ruari Quinn, Lewis Casement and Conor Matthews who were immense. The midfield pairing of Jack Matthews (0-1) and Oran Flanagan (3-5) had the measure of their opponents. The half forward line was where the damage was done. Shea Croskery (2-9), Eoin Lundy (2-4) and Adam Lenaghan gave the Saul defence a torrid hour and when not attacking they were back in numbers hunting in packs to turnover possession. The two man full forward line of Cathal Murphy (1-1) and Ruari King (0-1) created space, assisted scores and also hit the target themselves. Subs Ben Ogle, Peter O'Hare and Conall King all came on to contribute to a very encouraging win. The final round robin game is against firm favourites Kilcoo next Monday evening in Annsborough at 7.15 pm.

The Seniors enjoyed a good win over St Michael's in the Junior Championship preliminary round on Sunday in Clonduff. The 'Fin lead 1-10 to 1-3 at half time before seeing out a comfortable win 1-14 to 1-7. Match report elsewhere. The Fin will now play Bright in the quarter finals on Sunday 7th September at a neutral venue. Next up for the seniors is their penultimate league game away to Dromara on Friday 29th August with the final league game of the season away to Ballykinlar.

The Ladies exited the Down Ladies Junior Championship after a defeat to Saul in Annsborough on Sunday afternoon. Despite managing to keep in touch for most of the game it was the Fin's lack of firepower in the second half that was the difference between the teams. Final score Aughlisnafin 2-2 Saul 3-9. Comiserations to the Ladies on what has been a good season for them on the field. They have one final league fixture to complete their season.

The U12's summer league game against Castlewellan was postponed from Sunday morning to Monday evening. They are then at home to Bryansford this Sunday at 11 am. The U12's will take part in the Gerry Burns Tournament hosted by St Johns on Saturday 30th August and also the Ardglass Tournament on Saturday 6th September.

The U8.5's are in Liatroim for Go Games this Saturday. The U10.5's are in Annsborough with Drumaness, Bryansford and Bredagh the visiting clubs.

Aughlisnafin will be hosting its 3rd Annual Recreational 7's Tournament in Annsborough on Saturday 13th September at 2.30 pm. With St John's, An Riocht and Carrickcruppen already confimed attending we would hope that four more teams can attend. Please contact Gerard Lenaghan 0785 426 2858 if you would like to enter a team. Its £5 per player and maximum of 10 players per team. The only stipulation is that you do not play regular senior or reserves football. If anyone would like to sponsor the Cup and Shield this year please contact the club. Our recreational footballers are attending the An Riocht Tournament on Saturday 30th August.

Lotto 7, 15, 22, 27. Cunningham Kids were the £20 draw winner. Jackpot remains at £8,000. Tweet

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