Coulter calls tune for Down

DOWN kept their championship season motoring along at Páirc Esler on Saturday but there was little to suggest the journey through the scenic route will be as rewarding as last year.

Clare came close to shocking them last time out and a Leitrim side with little firepower up front gave them a few anxious moments, although the outcome was never in doubt.

That was largely due to the performance of Benny Coulter who kicked seven points from play but few of his colleagues showed the productivity which took them to the All-Ireland final last year.