Wicklow 2-14
Down 0-17
 
Although it was Down who went into the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A relegation play-off at Trim as favourites, they were unable to contain a very committed Wicklow side who clinched their survival in impressive style.
 
The teams had finished on level terms in an earlier clash at Newry but this time goals in the first and third quarters proved the difference as Down depended too much on the outstanding Paul Braniff for scores.

The deadly accurate full-forward slotted over 14 of his side's 17 points with 11 of them struck from frees, from a variety of angles and distances. However, Wicklow had a much better spread of scorers with eight players getting on target,

Despite being without a number of players during the campaign, Down started in determined manner with early scorers from Braniff (free), Aaron O'Prey and Daniel Toher raising their hopes.

But then  they were hit by the first goal after 10 minutes when midfielder Eamon Kearns got forward to take a pass from Wayne O'Gorman and fire past Stephen Keith.

That left Wicklow leading by 1-2 to 0-3 and they were never headed after that. Down got on level terms twice but then seven successive points had Casey O'Brien's charges firmly in control.

Kearns started that crucial scoring streak, Enan Glynn added two points and Andy O'Brien, corner-back Billy Cuddihy, Jonathan O'Neill (free) and lively substitute Christy Moorehouse also raised the white flag.

Down finished the first period with Braniff shooting over from play and a free to leave the board reading 1-10 to 0-8 at the break. The Ulster side continued the comeback on the restart with Braniff slotting over another free and midfielder Michael Cunningham sending a sideline sending a sideline cut sailing between the uprights.

But the revival was nipped in the bud when O'Brien was taken down for a penalty which O'Neill blasted to the net to leave Wicklow two goals to the good. Glynn immediately increased the lead and two points from O'Gorman kept them comfortably clear.

Although failing to register in the last quarter, Wicklow had done enough and were not made regret hitting nine wides in the second period.  Although Braniff continued to add to his points tally, Down were denied the goal needed to boost their survival hiopes.
 
Wicklow: J Murphy; Jim Connors, G Keogh, B Cuddihy (0-1); J Henderson, S Kelly, G Bermingham; E Kearns (1-1), R Keddy (0-2); John Connors, W O'Gorman (0-3), E Dunne; E Glynn (0-3), J O'Neill (1-1, goal pen, point free), A O'Brien (0-2). Subs: C Moorehouse  (0-1) for John Connors (26 mins), E O'Neill for Jim Connors (49 mins), L Kennedy for Dunne (66 mins).
 
Down: S Keith; M Hughes, S Ennis, J Smyth; F Conway, C Woods, M Ennis; E Clarke, M Cunningham (0-1, sideline); P Sheehan, C Magean, A O'Prey (0-1); D Toner (0-1), P Braniff (0-14, 11 frees), P Keith. Subs: A Savage for Clarke, D Hughes for Sheehan (both 51), M Turley for Keith (57), D Hobbs for Toner (68).

Referee: F Smith (Meath). Tweet

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