ST Patrick's got their minor league campaign off to a winning start with a narrow two point victory over local rivals Leitrim in Ballyvarley.

The Ballela/Ballyvarley combination could have wished for an easier game to get their season underway but in a fast-flowing, tough-tackling encounter they managed to get the narrow verdict in this clash of minor hurling specialists.

The game began at a thrilling pace with Jamie Murray's brace of points being quickly cancelled out by the Leitrim attack. Paul O'Neill then gave the home side the lead before a fast moving Leitrim attack scythed through the Red rearguard for two crushing goals to open up a telling gap.

However St Patrick's gradually gained midfield control through Paul O'Neill and his four converted frees and a point from Niall Burns eventually drew the sides level deep into the second quarter.

Almost on cue Leitrim responded again with a swift attack down the right wing and once more they applied the lethal finish with another stunning goal to edge in front again.

St Pat's responded with typical determination and two points from Noel Burns and another from Jamie Murray left it all square at the interval with it all to play for in the second half.

break

Leitrim came storming out after the break and threatened to blow St Patrick's away. Two quick points followed by another devastating goal left St Patrick's floundering but a few quick switches and a power-packed display from midfielder Paul O'Neill pulled the home side back into contention.

First he soloed through for a point and then moments later pushed forward with the attack where he collected from a long range free before bursting through to send the ball to the back of the Leitrim net.

efforts

A Leitrim point punctuated his efforts but then he was back on the scoring trail again with surging runs upfield that produced two great points from play and two converted frees.

St Patrick's had come from five points down to take a two point lead and when Tony Hegarty showed great skill to double on an overhead ball and send it to the net it looked as though the home side had finally wrapped up the points.

But once more the pendulum swung in this exciting encounter and a late goal and a point from Leitrim produced a nail-biting finish and there were sighs of relief all round when full-forward Niall McAleenan collected a high ball and struck over the insurance point to give St Pat's their narrow victory.

A good team performance from St Patrick's on their first outing and performances showed an all round improvement as the game progressed.

Ryan Haughey, Kieran Maguire, Sean O'Hare, James McDermott, Niall Burns, Paul O'Neill, Ronan McConville, Thomas McKernan and Jamie Murray were consistently strong in a great game of hurling.