LOUGHGIEL are heading for a top-of-the-table group clash with Rossa hurlers this weekend as the Championship in Antrim picks up pace (Sunday, Loughgiel, 2pm).

The Shamrocks have beaten Ballycastle and Naomh Éanna in Group One of the Bathshack Senior Championship and one more win would leave them top of the table heading into the knock-out stages.

Manager Hugh McCann says that the first two games have proved one thing, that the championship has become tougher.

“Without a doubt. Ballycastle last year were unlucky to not beat Dunloy in the first group game. This year you could have any one of six teams that could win the championship. They are all in with a shout. Dunloy have to be favourites. They are obviously favourites. Rossa pushed them hard last year. St John’s pushed us extremely hard last year. God only knows where it will end up. It depends on how you perform on the day.”

The Loughgiel team has been developing this season, and McCann has made some positional changes. They include Shan McGrath’s move into midfield.

“He is a completely changed player,” McCann said.

“We always had him in corner-forward but we brought him out to midfield and he gets through a power of work. He is a really skilful hurler. He will work anybody in midfield.”

Their first win was against Naomh Eanna and last weekend they beat Ballycastle in a performance that was not worth shouting about.

“We got the result. Ballycastle were going to come with a physical battle and we were prepared for that. The win set us up for the top of the table clash with Rossa. That was our goal. With the greatest respect to St Enda’s (Naomh Eanna) and to Ballycastle, the wider public expected us to beat them. But you still have to beat them. You still have to turn up and do your hurling. We did that and we were happy with that.”

Loughgiel are glad to have got a good start in the championship. McCann said that preparations for the competition have not been ideal because they were playing in the league without their county players. They were often without a full squad. McCann said that he has introduced younger players who didn’t get a chance to play competitively with the county contingent in the squad. Those younger players have won Antrim Minor Championships in the past few years. So they are important inclusions.

“It was difficult for them to get to know each other on the hurling field. We got a few challenge games in so that they could get used to each other. Things have been going pretty good.”

Loughgiel have no injuries at the moment so they will be full strength on Sunday.

“We have a panel of 27 but they are all very strong. The team could change. But anyone could come in. We have seven or eight u-20s there too and they bring a real freshness.”

McCann also has Paul Gillen, DD Quinn and Neilly McGarry in the back room team as well and their experience has helped too. But the biggest test comes on Sunday.

“Rossa have speed, intensity and some fantastic hurlers. They set up very strong at the back. They have quick forwards. There is danger all over the field for us. It is how we react to that and how we get our play makers onto the ball. It is going to be difficult. Rossa pushed Dunloy all the way, and Dunloy showed grit to to score in the final moments. Rossa will be disappointed that they didn’t get into the final.”