It’s not usually over until the fat lady sings.

But she was flexing her vocal chords on Down's relegation fight weeks ago and last Saturday afternoon she was ready for an encore following another heavy defeat for the Malone Park's senior side.

A season which promised so much has ended in relegation but Down were not disgraced and produced a number of very creditable performances. And, as is so often the case with struggling sides, luck was something they did not enjoy over the course of the season.

Down seconds started this Junior 3 game with nine men, took the lead twice and produced a terrific performance to secure a precious point.

Gary Tate's men have a never-say-die attitude which was very much in evidence against their derby rivals whom they defeated 5-1at home earlier in the season.

The locals were able to field 10 men after nine minutes of the game getting underway and despite Kilkeel holding the numerical advantage and grabbing a late goal to earn a point, the moral victory belonged to Down.

All DHC Playing Members are asked to register on the new IHA Link system.

This system will be used to aid all hockey clubs under the Irish Hockey Assocation with the process of player registration and club management.

Can all DHC Players please go to the Irish Hockey Association site and select the option "Register Here", located on the left hand side of the screen under "IHA Link".

A comprehensive history of North West Hockey 1896 – 1968 has been compiled and written by Mr Billy Platt after several years of research.

The limited edition of about 400 pages is ready for printing and Mr Platt is seeking advanced booking so he can proceed with the production of this important record of hockey in Ulster.

The books are £30 each and donations can be sent to the address below to make sure of obtaining a copy:

Mr Billy Platt
56 Ballycairn Road
Coleraine
BT51 3HY