The Downs show their intent as they master Malachy"s with ease

On Thursday night of last week in Cusack Park, the champions of 2005, The Downs, left none under any illusion that they are preparing to take that title back with a display of clinical finishing and constant movement. Make no mistake about it, this scoreline flatters St. Malachy"s who, apart from a spell in the second half, were totally outclassed. From the time referee Mick Mannion threw the ball in there was no doubt who was going to win this one. The Downs were perpetually in motion and their all-action, high tempo game totally mesmerised what was in fairness a much depleted Malachy"s side. Even in the damp conditions their movement with and without the ball was excellent and they were winners long before the final whistle. Malachy"s had a good spell early in the second half but one always felt that this was just a matter of The Downs resting on their laurels and that they could have moved up a gear any time they so wished. Add to this the fact that the Downs could afford to bring on the Conroy brothers, James and Barry, as subs, is testament to their title credentials and on this display they will be a match for anybody. The Downs now have two wins from two games and in pole position in this division, while Malachy"s must find more of the qualities that saw them victorious against Killucan in the opening round The Downs had stars all over the field and from 1 to 15 they held sway in virtually every position. Niall Nolan is a find at corner-back, while the half-back line of Vincent Conneely, Jack Hogan and Conor Carley were excellent throughout, both in their defensive duties and in bombing forward as well. Mark Dalton and Brendan Murtagh were a good midfield pair while, up front, Cleary and Luke Folan were excellent and Tommy Cleary"s free-taking was simple and effortless. John Smyth"s work-rate was phenomenal and he just about gets the nod as man of the match. Few Malachy"s players did themselves justice, with Ciaran Favier, Alan Mangan and Sean Whelan probably their leading performers, but this is an evening they will want to forget quickly because they certainly are better than this display. Rarely has a Malachy"s team seemed to lack heart and fight but alas that was very evident on Thursday and they will need to get their heads together if they are any way interested in the Championship. For The Downs, though, it"s onwards and upwards, although they really should have put Malachy"s to the sword and they only scored three points in the second half. But coach Ray Smyth will certainly not let this win go his charges" heads and will work on those minuses. Slipping slightly under the radar they are definite dark horses for the Championship and will give plenty of trouble to any team and, on this display, they should fear none of them. SCORERS: The Downs: T Cleary 0-6 (5fs), G Crowley 1-1, N Molloy 1-0, L Folan 0-2, C Carley, M Dalton and P Shanley 0-1 each. St. Malachy"s: A Mangan 0-5 (3fs), S Whelan 1-0. The Downs: Benny Cleary, Niall Nolan, Sean O"Leary, Stephen Cleary, Vincent Conneely, Jack Hogan, Conor Carley, Mark Dalton, Brendan Murtagh, Greg Crowley, John Smyth, Noel Molloy, Tommy Cleary, Luke Folan, Paul Shanley. Subs: Sean Loughlin (for Conneely, 42 mins), Barry Conroy (for Molloy, 43), James Conroy (for Shanley, 49). St. Malachy"s: Gary Jackson, Johnny Tuite, Ronan Corcoran, Eamonn Og Clarke, John Gallagher, David Langan, Ciaran Favier, Tommy Carey, Ollie Kirby, Barry Whelan, Alan Mangan, Eddie O"Neill, Robbie Jackson, Shane Carey, Robbie Jackson. Subs: Paddy Corcoran (for Clarke, inj, 21 mins), Ian Corrigan (for Kirby, 39), Alan Bouabbse (for Tuite, 43), Mark McDermott (for O"Neill, 54). Referee Mick Mannion (Garrycastle)