After a thrilling hours hurling, the Brian Dillons Junior (B) Hurlers were narrowly defeated, 3-13 to 2-14, by Na Piarsaigh in the City Division Junior (2) Hurling League, which was played in Pairc Diolunaigh on Monday evening, 2nd July,2012.

               This was an exciting game from start to finish,with the lead changing hands on several occasions, and it took two late goals by Na Piarsaigh to clinch victory. Brian Dillons started promisingly and after five minutes of play they were ahead by 0-4 to 0-1. In the tenth minute Na Piarsaigh scored their first goal which put them ,1-2 to 0-4, ahead. This goal helped Na Piarsaigh to a period of dominance and ,after twenty two minutes they had raced into a 1-5 to 0-4 lead. A long range shot by the Brian Dillons midfielder,Cian Crowley,ended up in the net to leave just a point between the sides after twenty five minutes..Both sides exchanged points to leave the half -time score reading, Na Piarsaigh, 1-7, Brian Dillons, 1-6.

              The excitement continued throughout the second half with little or nothing between the teams until Brian Dillons went a goal clear when full-forward, Mark Horgan, scored a spectacular goal with less than ten minutes remaining. When Stuart Crichton notched his second point to put four points between the teams,it looked ,at this stage, that Brian Dillons would succeed.However, Na Piarsaigh pilfered two further goals which secured the points for them despite a late rally by Brian Dillons ,which failed to bring the goal which would have brought them victory.

        Even though this was their second defeat in this competition, Brian Dillons are almost certain to qualify for the semi -finals of the League.Forced to field without their Minor players ,due to next Wednesdays Minor Hurling Championship,and a few others due to injuries and holidays, this was a highly creditable performance. Regular free-taker, James Horgan,is away on holidays but,however, Kevin Varian was impeccable from placed balls against Na Piarsaigh, scoring points from all angles and distances.

         Next up for the Brian Dillons second string is the quarter-final of the City Division Junior (B) Hurling Champioship,against Nemo Rangers,out in Ballinlough on next Friday,6th July,2012, with a 7.30pm throw-in.

         Scorers against Na Piarsaigh were; Kevin Varian,0-8 (0-5 frees, 0-1 65"s) Cian Crowley,1-0; Mark Horgan,1-0; Stuart Crichton,0-2; James Murphy,0-1 (free); James Varian,0-1; Shane Maher,0-1; and Mark Buckley,0-1.