Down have started a new season with a new captain, David Ferris is taking over the reins from Jeremy McCready. Jeremy has held the position of captain for an impressive 18 years and his efforts are greatly appreciated by all those in the club.
David oversaw his inaugural game in charge with a well-earned win in the Junior league Cup against a skilled and youthful Harlequins third eleven. The scoring was opened after good work from Philip Brown and Adam McKee who set up Mark Elliott for a trademark deflection pass the visiting keeper.
Downs lead was short lived however; as Harlequins came back strong and the home defence was caught on the back foot. A lightning cross managed to find the end of the experienced centre forward’s stick leaving the Down keeper with no chance.
The half time team talk must have stirred the home side and they soon took back the lead after Adam McKee’s pin point pass gave Philip Brown an easy tap in making it 2 – 1. A lapse in concentration from the down keeper resulted in a miskick giving away a corner to the attacking team. Their initial shot was blocked by Jeremy McCready but Harlequins made no mistake in the follow up. Down regained the lead after a well worked penalty corner was drilled in by Down’s Gavin Ringland.
Down seemed to be finding their stride and Mark Elliot deflected in his second of the day to give the home team a 2 goal lead. Harlequins had a mixture of speed and experience up front which got the better of the defence giving them their third goal of the day. Down continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded after the ball came loose inside the Harlequins circle and Mark Elliot pounced to complete his hatrick. In the dying minutes of the game Harlequins managed to claw back a goal, but it was too little too late. Down finish the game 5 - 4 to take the win.
This was a strong start from the Down side and David Ferris will be pleased with their performance. With a number of regular players still to strengthen the side Down look to be in good shape for the season ahead and look forward to next week’s local derby against Saintfeild.