PREVIEWS: Belfast derby as Antrim turn up the heat on the hurling season

THE club championship are now in full flow in all the counties across Ulster. We take a look ahead to another busy weekend of games as the heat begins to rise as final days get closer.

Here are the Antrim fixtures….

ANTRIM SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Rossa v St John’s

Saturday, Naomh Éanna, 4pm

A CRACKING game in prospect with league champions Rossa crossing swords with Belfast rivals St John’s. The prize on offer is a semi-final spot, something Rossa have been craving. A tough call here.

Verdict: Rossa

Loughgiel v Ballycastle

Sunday, Dunloy, 3.30pm

THE Shamrocks were in hot form against Cushendall only to be chinned by two late Sean McAfee goals. It drops into a make-or-break game with Ballycastle who finished in third spot in the other group. A tough ask.

Verdict: Loughgiel

ANTRIM INTERMEDAITE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 5GROUP 1

Creggan v Rasharkin

Friday, Creggan, 7pm

THIS is a non-event. Creggan are guaranteed top spot and a semi-final place. Rasharkin have one win to their name and will be underdogs this weekend as they aim to finish on a high.

Verdict: Creggan

Sarsfields v St Paul’s

Saturday, Sarsfields, 5pm

A FENCE divides their pitch but this game is very different. The Paddies are without a win and well out of contention. A St Paul’s win by 29 points or more would see them finish in second place, ahead of Clooney Gaels, booking a semi-final spot.

Verdict: St Paul’s

GROUP 2

Cushendun v St Gall’s

Saturday, Cushendun, 5pm

A WIN for Cushendun would give them a chance of booking a semi-final place if results go for them. They’ll need Glenarm to beat Tír na nÓg to make it a three-way tie. St Gall’s have nothing to place for, so it’s hard to look at anything other than a home win.

Verdict: Cushendun

Tír na nÓg v Glenarm

Saturday, Cushendun, 5pm

IF the Whitehill side avoid defeat at home, they can’t be caught in second place. A draw or victory for Glenarm and they’ll hope St Gall’s have done them a favour in Cushendun. A Glenarm victory here could leave three teams level on six points.

Verdict: Tír na nÓg

Glenariffe v Cloughmills

Sunday, Glenariffe, 2pm

LEAGUE leaders Glenariffe are guaranteed of top spot and are heavy favourites against a Cloughmills teams yet to record a win.

Verdict: Glenariffe

ANTRIM JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Glenravel v Gort na Mona

Saturday, Glenravel, 5pm

CON Magees won all three group games but it was Gort na Mona who prevailed when they locked horns in the league. There is more at stake here. Glenravel might just nick at home.

Verdict: Glenravel

Armoy v Lámh Dhearg

Saturday, Armoy, 5pm

THERE was just the puck of a ball when Armoy won the group game between the teams. There was a draw in the league and Lámh Dhearg have gathered some form. A tight call.

Verdict: Armoy

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION SERIES

Aldergrove v All Saint’s

Sunday, Aldergrove, 3.30pm

ALDERGROVE lost last weekend against Tír na nÓg. This week All Saint’s cross their path and Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley’s side will be fancied to come through. Defeat would spell relegation for Aldergrove.

Verdict: All Saint’s