A slim scoring return of just three points in the entire second half cost our Under 15’s dearly in Ballymacnab tonight.

In a tough encounter we were destined for a date with disappointment but in truth would only have ourselves to blame after a strong opening put us in a good position.

Diarmaid O’Rourke put us ahead after just two minutes and within 3 minutes Michaèl McCoy had the ball in the net. His strong direct running was a feature of the night and certainly one of the more positive aspects of the performance.

Just minutes later another run set Diarmaid up for a point while good exchange play between Aidan Byrne and David Crilly saw Diarmaid raise another white flag to give us a 1-03 to 0:01 lead.

Failure then to clear our defensive lines cost us a goal and a point and dragged Tir Na nOg back into the game

Dromintee then regained their composure hitting two points from Euan O’Neill and Diarmaid O’Rourke.

The water break interrupted our momentum with the Portadown side grabbing a second goal before two points were shared with ours coming from Aidan Byrne off the back of yet another strong run from McCoy.

Half Time Score -1:06 to 2:03

Our second half performance proved hugely disappointing as we repeatedly kicked possession away and struggled to get support to the forward line or positive momentum.

Ultimately this would prove the decisive period as we were out scored six points to one with our solitary effort coming from a free from Diarmaid O’Rourke.

The fourth period saw us chasing the game and we were rewarded with two frees from Diarmaid and Emmett McKeever but Tir Na nOg were never duly troubled and finished with two late scores to give them a five point margin at the final whistle.

We didn’t lack for effort or endeavour but we must reflect on our use of the ball and our failure to build on the early momentum.

The club would like to express our thanks to Ballymacnab for hosting and our congratulations to Tir Na nOg.