by EZRA STUART

THERE IS A "hill" which is just too steep for the Notre Dame footballers to climb.

For the third straight season, Mackeson Brittons Hill have earned bragging rights over the formidable Claytons Kola Tonic Notre Dame.

Inspired by a double strike from Walton Burrowes, Brittons Hill defeated the Dames 2-1 in the feature match of a Digicel Premier League triple-header at the YMCA on Sunday night.

The victory not only maintained Brittons Hill's unbeaten record against the Dames but left both teams in joint second place on 12 points, two adrift of leaders Gera-Tec Services Maxwell.

Burrowes had opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when he cut inside the area and pushed a perfect pass from Rondelle Vaughan past goalkeeper Kareem Farrell with the ball crossing the line before fellow striker Dwayne Lynch could get his boot to it.

The Dames came storming back with captain John "Nobby" Parris nodding home a free-kick from John Hawkesworth in the 28th minute.

The second half was full of action with Gregory "Lalu" Goodridge just not getting to the end of a through ball from Rondelle Vaughan and Lynch hitting wide of an unprotected goalbars after Farrell came off his line.

The Barbados under-23 custodian also had to save a stinging 30-yard left-foot drive from substitute Arantes Lawrence which was heading for the roof of the nets. But lanky six-footer Travis "Angus" Coppin produced the play of the night, double-dribbling Dames' defender Bryan Neblett and leaving him in his wake before unleashing a shot which went wide.

At the other end, Jeffrey Williams pushed the ball across Brittons Hill's goal-mouth but Rudy Grosvenor scooped a right foot shot high at the back post instead of tapping in the ball with his left.

The Dames, who had superior ball possession throughout the match with Hawkesworth and Norman Forde controlling the midfield, paid the price for not converting their goal-scoring chances.

Goodridge took Leon Todd to the cleaners as he faked and drifted past the right-back and hit a low shot at Farrell, who made a diving save but was adjudged to have crossed the goalline.

In what turned out to be a controversial ruling, a corner-kick was awarded and Goodridge curled the ball into the six-yard box where Burrowes rose above the Dames' defence and brilliantly headed home the winning goal in the 85th minute.

Earlier, Maxwell, despite playing to a goalless draw with Christ Church neighbours Gall Hil in the preceding game, remained at the top of the standings on 14 points.

There was also a stalemate in the opening match with Technico and Mpact Haggatt Hall battling to a 1-1 draw.

Jason Johnson gave Technico a 12th minute lead with a back-post header after Dale Benn floated over a cross following a short corner by Lloyd Wilkinson.

But Wayne "Yellow" St Hill equalised for Haggatt Hall in the 26th minute, drilling a shot past goalkeeper Bentley Springer after a quick free-kick, just outside the penalty area.

The Premiership continues today at the "Y" with Youth Milan versus defending champions, Defence Barbados Defence Force at 6:30 p.m. and Notre Dame seeking to bounce back against Technico at 8:30 p.m.