A panel of 18 U17 Portarlington GAA hurlers travelled to Ballinakill on Friday night. The panel was expanded recently with the return of some U17 players and a couple of the U17 footballers also giving hurling a try.

They played 13 a side at the request of Ballinakill/Ballypickas as they were light on numbers.

It was a very tight hard-fought even game. It resulted in a draw at half time.

There were a few missed chances from frees for Portarlington. However the goal-keeping by Conor Maher in goals was exceptional as he cleared plenty of shots that dropped short and made a couple of excellent on-the-line saves that helped keep Portarlington in the game.

Final score Portarlington 1:14 v Ballinakill/Ballypickas 0:15