Down 1-22
London 1-13
LONDON'S Christy Ring Cup campaign ended in disappointing fashion at Ballycran on Saturday as Down claimed a nine point win.
Having been so impressive when defeating holders Kildare following a replay London now exit the competition.
A demanding schedule caught up on London, who were unable to cope with injuries to several key players as defeats to Derry and Down ended the Exiles interest in the tournament.
From an early stage an understrength London were in deep trouble as Down led by 1-10 to 0-2 after 18 minutes.
That was when the real damage was done and even though London rallied briefly after the interval Down were never in any serious danger.
Gareth Johnston grabbed a 13th minute goal for Down, who were 1-14 to 0-4 ahead by half-time.
A Bernard Gaffney goal from a penalty gave London a glimmer of hope, but Down responded to control the remainder of the match.
Ten minutes from the end Conor Hickey was dismissed for picking up a second yellow card as Down closed the deal.
Lancashire's tough introduction to the Lory Meagher Cup continued at Pairc Na hEireann on Saturday as Sligo cruised to a convincing 3-21 to 0-13 success.
Sligo did plenty of damage early on as the impressive Gary Cadden struck two opportunistic goals in the first half.
Cadden's majors ensured a determined Sligo outfit went in at the break leading by 2-10 to 0-8.
After the restart Keith Raymond was effective for Sligo, while substitute Aidan Walsh decorated their win with a late goal.
Lancashire’s next clash should be a tasty encounter against Warwickshire at Pairc Na hEireann on Saturday, 3.30pm throw-in.
Scorers for Down: G Johnson 1-9 (7fs, 1 ‘65’), F Conway 0-3, C Woods 0-3 (3fs), D Toner 0-2, S Dineen 0-2, J Coyle 0-1, M McCullough 0-1, D Hughes 0-1.
Scorers for London: B Gaffney 1-0 (pen), P Phelan 0-3 (1f), T Healy 0-2, N Brophy 0-2 , M Ryan 0-1, D Morkan 0-1, E Cooney 0-1, S Lambert 0-1, L Hands 0-1, M O’Dwyer 0-1.
Down: S Keith; N Conlan, P Flynn, M Hughes; D McManus, C Woods, M McCullough; D Hughes, F Conway; M Ennis, D Toner, S Dineen; C Egan, G Johnson, J Coyle. Subs: P Sheehan for Egan (62 mins), S Nicholson for Coyle (66 mins), E Sands for Johnson (69 mins).
London: J Barrett; C Hickey, L Gaule, K Fitzpatrick; T Healy, M Ryan, D Morkan; E Cooney, N Rogers; P Phelan, N Brophy, S Lambert; L Hands, M O’Dwyer, B Gaffney. Subs: C McAllinden for Rogers (53), M Duggan for Gaffney (55), E Collins for Hands (61) M Fitzpatrick for Gaule (67).
Referee: E Hasson (Derry).
