BALLYVARLEY U14 hurlers continued their league campaign facing strong opposition from Mourne in a game they never really looked like winning.

The visitors opened the game playing with confidence dominating early possession putting severe pressure on the Ballyvarley defence.

An Aidan McKiernan led back line remained defiant and held on for 15 minutes before the visitors scored the opening goal.

Chris Lennon was also performing excellent between the posts preventing Mourne from adding a second, however three points were conceded by the Reds before half time.

A few opportunities did fall for the home side up front, Chris McAvoy catching a long ball and making the goalkeeper produce fine save to keep a clean sheet for Mourne in the first half.

After the interval the Reds produced some better hurling, Chris McAvoy opened their account doubling on aerial ball to claim a well taken goal and raise the spirits of the home team.

However this was to be short lived as a goal reply was to follow within three minutes the visitors stamping their authority on the game.

Ballyvarley did rally throughout the half with MK McGrath producing producing a fine display of defending skills and Ciaron Davis working hard at midfield covering ground and making countless tackles.

Jonathan Lennon took every opportunity to push forward with solo runs into the forwards claiming a point from play to reduce the deficit.

Two further goals from Mourne confirmed their dominance in the game and put a gap between the teams the Reds never looked like closing.