The Harps senior hurlers opened their Leinster League campaign with a hard fought win over Ballinamere last Saturday. Played in Durrow in windy conditions the sides were evenly matched for the first half and the standard of hurling was encouraging for the time of the year. Both teams opened their accounts with converted frees. Conor Brophy and Eoin Clancy both pointed from play but just as The Harps opened up a slender lead, a long ball in to The Harps goal mouth was finished to the net even though it looked like a square ball. The response to this set back was excellent however, as The Harps upped their efforts and were rewarded by a series of converted frees via the stick of Michael Lanigan to leave the sides level at half time on a scoreline of The Harps 0-09 Ballinamere 1-06.

The second half saw The Harps defence really get on top as they limited Ballinamere to just 4 points. At the other end Conor Brophy, Richie Saunders and Greg Aylward all added good points from play to edge The Harps in front. Ballinamere were using their physicality to gain possession around midfield, but each delivery was repelled by The Harps defensive unit who were in a mean mood. Credit must go to the whole team however as the forwards and midfielders tracked back to good affect whenever the pressure mounted. Michael Lanigan finished out the scoring with a series of frees, and while it was disappointing not to score a goal in this game, 0-19 is a good score to put up in such conditions. Full Time: The Harps 0-19 v 1-10 Ballinamere.

The Harps: 1.Kevin Galvin; 2.Ciaran Costigan; 3.Pakie Flynn; 4.Aaron Dunne; 5.John Prior; 6.Gavin Dunne; 7.Barry Dunne; 8.Conor Dunne; 9.Richie Saunders; 10.Shane Donoghue; 11.Pat Walsh; 12.Conor Brophy; 13.Eoin Clancy; 14.Mick Lanigan; 15.Greg Aylward.

Subs used: Darren Maher.

The Harps play Crumlin next in the Leinster league in Heywood on Monday 7th March, please travel over to support the lads for the 8pm throw-in.