 Down's Stephen Murray and Shane McNaughton of Antrim challenge for possession |
Antrim survived a stunning second half comeback from Down to win the Ulster Senior Hurling final by two points, 3-20 to 4-15, at Casement Park. Early goals from Shane McNaughton and Joey Scullion helped the Saffrons to a 2-10 to 0-9 half-time advantage. Paul Braniff (2), Stephen Clarke and Andy Savage scored goals for Down after the break while McNaughton grabbed his second goal of the game for Antrim. Down led by a point but three late Antrim points secured their success. Points from Braniff and Simon Wilson gave Down an early two-point lead but the Saffrons responded with goals from McNaughton and Scullion in quick succession. Antrim goalkeeper Ryan McGarry made a fine save from Clarke at the other end and the sides traded points before the break, at which point Antrim led by seven. Karl Stewart and Karl McKeegan were prominent point-scorers for Antrim while Wilson and Savage were prolific for the Mournemen. Braniff found the net in the opening moments of the second half and while Antrim replied with points from Stewart and Paddy Richmond, the influential Gareth Johnston set up Clarke for Down's second goal. That score brought the scores level and then Down nudged ahead, but McNaughton's goal restored the holders' lead. Savage scored what turned out to be the final goal of the game to put his side a point ahead again and as the game headed into its closing minutes, Down still led by a point. The Mournemen then had Michael Ennis sent-off and points from McKeegan, Neil McManus and McNaughton saw Antrim home to retain their title.
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