Braniff's goal proves crucial

DOWN SHC FINAL/Ballycran 1-14 Ballygalget 0-12: BALLYCRAN TURNED in a scintillating display of first-class hurling allied to…

DOWN SHC FINAL/Ballycran 1-14 Ballygalget 0-12:BALLYCRAN TURNED in a scintillating display of first-class hurling allied to excellent scores to dethrone holders Ballygalget in Downpatrick yesterday.

The turning point of the game came a minute into the second half. From the throw-in Ballycran advanced and a long ball from right half back Michael Ennis had the Ballygalget defence in all sorts of trouble and Mick Braniff scrambled the ball to the net for a goal.

Ballygalget came storming back and thanks to Eoin Clarke they kept in touch and with 10 minutes left they were just two points in arrears. But Ballycran finished the stronger and scored three points to collect their 22nd title.

SCORERS: Ballycran – M Braniff (1-1), S Wilson (0-6), J Coyle (0-5), G Savage (0-1), P Keith (0-1). Ballygalget – E Clarke (0-8), M Coulter (0-2), D Toner (0-1), G Johnson (0-1).