Previews: A look ahead to Antrim’s hurling weekend

ANTRIM SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2GROUP 1

Ballycastle v St John’s

Saturday, Ballymena, 4pm

THE Johnnies could’ve lost the first game against Rossa but could’ve as easily won it. It’s a result that opens up the group. Gerard Cunningham’s side will hope for a win this weekend. Ballycastle need a victory after a defeat to the Shamrocks.

Verdict: St John’s

Rossa v Loughgiel

Saturday, Randalstown, 6.30pm

PAUL Boyle, James McNaughton and Roan McGarry were in form as Loughgiel won their opener. They’ll have their eyes wide open when Rossa take the field this weekend. A win for the Shamrocks would clinch a knock-out spot.

Verdict: Loughgiel

GROUP 2

Naomh Éanna v Dunloy

Sunday, Ahoghill, 1pm

DUNLOY were comfortable winners over last year’s intermediate champions Glenariffe and will be fancied to come through this one. Naomh Éanna lost to Cushendall in the first game and have it all to do again.

Verdict: Dunloy

 

Glenariffe v Cushendall

Sunday, Ballycastle, 5pm

THE ‘Dall come into the championship on the back of Feis Cup success and were winners over Naomh Éanna. They’ll be fancied to pick up another victory that could set up a top of the table clash with Dunloy.

Verdict: Cushendall

ANTRIM INTERMERDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 4GROUP 1

Cloughmills v Rasharkin

Friday, Cloughmills, 6.30pm

BOTTOM of the table Rasharkin have nothing to play for with the knock-out stages out of reach. Cloughmills must pick up a win to leave them with a vital showdown with St Gall’s on the last weelend.

Verdict: Cloughmills

 

St Gall’s v Creggan

Saturday, La Salle, 4.30pm

ST Gall’s won the league meeting earlier in the year in Milltown but championship is a different entity. This is a crunch game in the group with Carey the form team so far. Creggan might have enough to nick this one. It will be a close.

Verdict: Creggan

GROUP 2

Clooney Gaels v Glenarm

Friday, Ahoghill, 6.30pm

GLENARM have won all three games so far but a trip to Ahoghill will be a tougher challenge. Both teams finished mid-table in the league. Clooney need the win but the recent form might just tip the odds in favour of the visitors.

Verdict: Glenarm

 

Tír na nÓg v Cushendun

Saturday, Randalstown, 2pm

CUSHENDUN have also won all their group games so far and had an excellent league campaign. The group winner will be handed a semi-final spot and home advantage could be crucal.

Verdict: Cushendun

 

Glenravel v St Paul’s

Sunday, Glenravel, 2pm

GLENRAVEL have a very outside chance of securing a quarter-final spot but it would take a lot of permutations. One of them is that they must win this game. St Paul’s have been ticking along better so far and should pick up another win.

Verdict: St Paul’s

ANTRIM JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3GROUP 1

Armoy v Lámh Dhearg

Friday, Dunsilly, 7pm

BOTH teams are unbeaten and already through to the quarter-finals. All that is at stake is top spot. Armoy to win.

Verdict: Armoy

 

Belfast Saints v Ardoyne

Friday, St Teresa’s, 7pm

THIS decides who heads to the quarter-finals and who drops to Junior B. Both have lost their games. A draw would even be enough for Ardoyne on score difference but they’ll fancy a win.

Verdict: Ardoyne

GROUP 2

Gort na Mona v Davitt’s

Saturday, Lámh Dhearg, 2pm

A DEAD rubber apart from whatever appetite there is finish top of the group. There was a win each when they met twice in Division Three. Gort an Mona to get the win

Verdict: Gort na Mona

GROUP 3

St Brigid’s v Sarsfields

Sunday, Musgrave Park, 2pm

WITH Ballymena out, this is a battle for top spot. Not much at stake. Sarsfields have been in fine sort all season and go in as favourites.

Verdict: Sarsfields