DOWN'S promotion charge out of the NHL Division 2B picked up steam yesterday with a 4-19 to 2-10 win over Fingal.
The ardsmen were in control for large periods with Caolan Baillie scoring seven points and Donal Hughes (below) giving a masterclass in point-taking.
Baillie notched seven scores from play while hughes got four. Conor Woods and Conor o'Prey's goals put distance between the sides but Jm Sheridan kept Fingal in touching distance with accurate free-taking.
Fingal had a positive start to the second period but the introduction of Down's eoghan Sands ensured the game would soon be over as a contest.
Sands found the net twice after coming on as a sub while Conor Woods caught the eye with a series of long range points.
Down will now meet third placed meath in their next round of games with promotion to Division 2a firmly within their grasp.