Down seconds picked up a welcome three points at Malone Park last weekend.

Home skipper Mark Graham led by example, scoring twice in his side's 3-0 win in a game which should have been played in Belfast. But because Civil Service failed to travel to Downpatrick earlier in the season, the fixture was reversed as per Ulster Branch rules.

Down once again fielded all their young players and they continue to impress, none more so than Lewis McIntosh who has all the makings of a fine hockey player.

The home side was always on top, although 'keeper David Moreland had to be on his toes throughout and made a number of excellent saves to keep his side in the game.

Graham scored the first of his two goals in the 20th minute following a goalmouth melee. When the ball spun into the skipperÕs path he made no mistake with a neat finish.

Gary Brown was superb for Down in the middle of the park and was inspirational throughout the 70 minutes. He was quick in the tackle and drove forward when the opportunity arose.

Jordan Aidey was another of the home side's top performers, alongside McIntosh and Ryan Swail, while Stephen Callum kept things tight at the back.

Willie Price fired Down 2-0 ahead within 10 minutes of the restart with a smart finish at a short corner and with five minutes to go, Down went 3-0 ahead when Graham scored his second.

The skipper works hard and his enthusiasm rubs off on those around him and when a raking pass found him unmarked at the back post, he made no mistake tapping the ball home.

A deserved win and the locals will be hoping to maintain their level of performance against derby rivals North Down fifths at Comber Leisure Centre this Saturday.