Well done to our Junior B hurlers who got their Mid Championship campaign off to a winning start against Clonakenny last night. The wet and windy conditions, coupled with a very firm surface, made for tricky conditions. Brackens opened well with Nicky Madden and Joe Bourke in good form up front. Playing with wind advantage Clonakenny slowly got on top and opened up two point lead before Niall Bourke's 25th minute goal nudged Brackens back in front. A late free for the home side tied it up (1-4 to 0-7) at the break. Scores were slow to come in the third quarter as the strengthening breeze played havoc. Nicky Madden's free taking kept Bracken's nose in front and they led by 1-7 to 09 with fifteen minutes still to play. The introduction of Jack Bergin, James Ryan and Brian Roche added impetus and the latter landed a beauty from play. Clonakenny pushed hard in the closing scores but Brackens defence, well marshalled by Aidan Ivers, stood firm to claim the two points on a 1-10 to 0-12 score line. Round two takes place in the Park next Friday night against Drom with a 7.45pm start.

Team and Scorers: Darren Russell Padraig Meade Radek Natkaneic Shane Bergin Frank McGrath Padraic Keely Paul Guider Eddie Bergin Paddy Delaney Joe Bourke (0-1) Bryan Bourke Nicky Madden (0-8) James Moore Niall Bourke (1-0) Aidan Ivers. Subs: Jack Bergin Brian Roche (0-1) James Ryan Stephen Delahunty.