Betsy Gray Cup eludes Ballycran reserve team

The historical and coveted Betsy Gray Cup was skilfully won by Portaferry today as Ballycran’s late charge was significant but too late. Lorenzo McMullan rolled in the match sliotar at 1pm, with Ballycran opting to play with the stiff breeze channeling down from a north easterly direction.

Despite a caution from referee McMullan to avoid divoting the pitch, an undeterred Francis Caldwell cut a sideline sliotar from about 30m to score Ballycran’s first point of the match. As the ‘Ports’ responded with an opening salvo from Tom McGrattan that drifted left to right over the bar, an early goal from Conor ‘Wolf’ Dorrian set Ballycran comfortably on their way to shadow Portaferry. On this occasion though, in a reverse play from the last Betsy Gray encounter, instead of building a discernible lead to have it whittled away but saving the win, this time the shoe was on the other foot and Ballycran played catch up across most of the match but the win would prove to be elusive.

Other highlights of today’s match would include an opportunistic goal from Francis Caldwell as he picked up a rebounded ball from a missed attempt by Niall Breen on Peter Mason’s nets and a ‘Magic Johnson’ style goal whipped in from high by Paul ‘Skimpy’ Miskimmins, both after the water break in the second half. Ballycran will rue a missed penalty by Francis Caldwell and the awkward rolling ball for Niall Breen just outside the square with keeper Peter Mason still scrambling to get back from a previous clearance. Portaferry will undoubtedly be satisfied with today’s gritty and hungry performance and with Ronan Blair on form, the points from a growing number of frees pushed up the score to please the supporters lining out the John Mallon stand.

Despite today’s loss, there were a few notable Ballycran players putting in a decent day’s work, like Aaron Dorrian’s performance underpinned with some considerable coverage around his mid field territory, covering on occasions from half back to half forward. Niall Breen was responsive and strong, amongst others still recovering from last week’s SHC ordeal. Brad Watson had another concrete performance, managing to keep Tom McGrattan from setting Ballycran’s ball net on fire and last week’s James Clarke managed to get his name on the scoreboard with a fine point from play. Despite a significant shoulder injury earlier in the year, Conor Gilmore had a solid game and appeared to be comfortable discharging his half back duties.

The final score of today’s match was Portaferry 0-18 (18) Ballycran 3-07 (16). Congratulations to Portaferry. That we believe is the last Down hurling match of the senior calendar and we would like to thank all of our supporters for rallying round our squads throughout the year. It’s great to be able to spectate once again and we have been incredibly lucky with good weather for almost all of our significant games.

Portaferry starting: Peter Mason, Ronan Smyth, Emmett O’Neill, Ryan Convery, Ciaran Savage (0-1), Shane Conlan (0-1), Ciaran Milligan (0-1), Fergal Rogers, Aaron O’Prey (0-1), Tom McGrattan (0-3), Niall Milligan (0-1), Ronan Blair (0-8 7f), Kevin McGarry, Ryan O’Neill (0-1), Sean Milligan.

Remaining panel: Eoin Magee, Conor Kelly, Niall Fitzsimmons, Brendan Coleman, Emmet Adair, Calum McNamara, Conal Fitzsimmons, Conor Fay, Eoin Savage. [number 29 not on team sheet 0-1]

Ballycran starting: Jack Lennon, Brad Watson, Padraig Flynn, Rory Brown, Conor Gilmore, Brett Nicholson, Liam McCathy, Ben Arthurs, Aaron Dorrian (0-2), Niall Breen, Cormac McAlister (0-1f), Francis Caldwell (1-1), James Clarke (0-1), Connor Dorrian (1-1), Ethan Bell.

Remaining panel: Cathal Lavery, Daniel Hughes, Huw Flynn (0-2), Stephen Gilliland, Paul Miskimmins (1-0), Jake Miskimmins, Hugh James Torney, Joe Watson, Lukas Boyd, David Gilliland.

Here are a few pictures from today’s game for your enjoyment.