Mourne men may seek replay

Down's hurlers may seek a replay after the first half of yesterday's Christy Ring Cup final last only 33 minutes.

The Mourne men were eventually defeated 2-18 to 1-23 by Westmeath, but with the bounty of the inaugural Cup win, an October trip to New York and qualification to next summer's All-Ireland SHC riding on the result, Down boss John Crossey may seek a replay.

He certainly was not ruling it out after it was confirmed that Limerick referee Denis Richardson has blown up the first half, two minutes shy of its alloted 35 minutes.

Crossey, who was also annoyed at a disallowed goal decision in the second half, said: "We were chasing the game at that stage and we always finish the first half strongly.

"I wouldn't rule it out but that's not my decision."

The Down county board were reluctant to make a comment, but victorious Westmeath boss Seamus Qualter conceded the shortened first half was the same for both sides.

"I didn't know it had happened - I was listening to hear how much injury-time was going to be played, but I never heard it. It seems there was a bit of a mistake and it was the same for both sides."

The midlanders had hit three points in-a-row to lead 0-12 to 0-9 as Richardson blew his whistle for half-time.