By Michael McMullan
THE Volunteer Cup won’t be handed out this weekend but the final six teams will be finalised as the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship group stages conclude.
Like in recent years, the top team in each section will advance directly to the semi-finals.
Teams placed second and third will contest the quarter-finals, with the bottom team dropping out.
Reigning champions St John’s make the journey to Loughgiel for Saturday’s clash that will decide top spot in Group One.
The Shamrocks lead the table and a draw would be enough due to the Johnnies being held by Rossa in the first game of the campaign.
Gerard Cunningham’s side had the early season focus of being in a position where the they’d have a chance to challenge for top spot on the final day.
Earlier in the day, Rossa host Ballycastle who have lost both games to date. The visitors need a win to leapfrog Rossa into a quarter-final spot.
It is a similar story in Group Two on Sunday. Dunloy travel to Cushendall for a top of the table clash with both teams already qualified for the knock-out stages.
Dunloy have hit seven goals in their two games and sit at the top on score difference. For their part, Cushendall have kept two clean sheets across their two wins so something has to give.
In the other game, reigning intermediate champions Glenariffe host Naomh Éanna to decide who will finish third in the group. With Glenariffe’s greater score difference, the visitors must win to stay in the championship race.
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